The Garmin Fenix 7 series is one of the best multi-sport GPS smartwatches, and it comes in three sizes; 42mm, 47mm and 51mm. While the 42mm unit is called Fenix 7s, the 47mm unit is called Fenix 7. On the other hand, the 51mm unit is called Fenix 7X. Each of these is available in different models. So in this post, I’ll be comparing the differences between the different Fenix 7 models.
The Fenix 7 comes in six different models which include,
- Fenix 7 Standard
- Fenix 7 Solar (discontinued)
- Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
- Fenix 7 Pro Solar
- Fenix 7 Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi)
- Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar
The Pro models which were released in May 2023 are equipped with the more advanced Garmin Elevate v5 heart rate sensor that also enables ECG tracking on these models. Moreover, the Pro models also have an ambient light sensor that automatically regulates display brightness and there is an LED flashlight that was initially reserved for the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Full Specifications
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Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar
While all 6 models look very similar and have similar activity tracking features, they differ in build quality, storage capacity, preloaded maps and of course price.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Design
Each of the Fenix 7 models has an outstanding design that’s not only durable but also rugged and tough. Each of the models has a fiber-polymer casing and rated 10ATM which makes the watch suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.
However, while the Standard, Solar and Pro Solar models have a stainless steel bezel and rear cover with Corning Gorilla Glass DX protecting the display, the Sapphire models have a sapphire glass screen and titanium bezel and titanium rear cover.
So obviously, while the Fenix 7 Standard, 7 Solar, 7 Pro Solar and 7 Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) are durably built, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and 7 Pro Sapphire Solar have a more premium build.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Display
In this display department, all Fenix 7 models have the same colorful transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. All the models also have a touch-sensitive screen. MIP has been used on many Garmin watches until recently when the likes of Venu 2 Plus and Venu 3 were introduced with AMOLED. While AMOLED is more colorful, the MIP display is very easy to read outdoors even on a sunny day, and this is why old users of Garmin watches are finding it hard to switch to an AMOLED display.
Although all the Fenix 7 models have the same display type, only the Pro models are equipped with an ambient light sensor that ensures you don’t have to manually adjust the brightness of the display.
In all, each of the Fenix 7 models has an outstanding display.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Health Tracking
When I compared the health tracking features of the different Fenix 7 models I didn’t find any difference whatsoever except for the availability of ECG and preloaded maps.
Each of the Fenix 7 models is a comprehensive multi-sport GPS watch that can actually help you reach your fitness goals, thanks to the long list of health-tracking features.
Each of the Fenix 7 models will track your heart rate, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, skin temperature, count floors climbed and of course, count your steps and calories. Each of the models also features the Health snapshot, onscreen animated muscle maps that show what muscle group was worked after an exercise. You also get onscreen animated workouts as well as the newly introduced training readiness that gives you an overview of your fitness level daily. Each of the models also features a long list of sports profiles.
The only difference in activity tracking is the more advanced Garmin elevate v5 sensor in the Pro models which not only promises improved heart rate tracking especially during exercises but also introduces ECG measurement. You can take ECG test with the Pro models but not with the other three. Please note that the ECG app is not present on the Fenix 7 Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) model.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Maps
All the Fenix 7 models come with preloaded ski resort maps but only the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Pro models in addition to the ski resort maps come with preloaded TopoActive and road/trail maps. Note that while maps can easily be downloaded over Wi-Fi from the Garmin Connect app, the Fenix 7 Pro Solar (No Wi-Fi) requires the Garmin Express app to download maps.
Multi-band GPS support is present in the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Pro models which allows for improved mapping accuracy even in difficult terrains. In contrast, the Fenix 7 Standard and 7 Solar models lack multi-band GPS but are still tested and trusted GPS watches just as opined by DC Rainmaker.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Media
All the Fenix 7 models support onboard music storage, though while the Fenix 7 Standard and Solar models come with 16GB storage, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and Pro models are equipped with 32GB storage.
You can download music from supported music streaming platforms which includes Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. You can also add your personal music using the Garmin Express app.
Again, note that even though the Fenix 7 Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) model has a 32GB storage capacity, because it lacks Wi-Fi you can’t download music from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music. You can only add your personal music using the Garmin Express app.
Fenix 7 Standard vs 7 Pro Solar vs 7 Pro Sapphire Solar: Battery Life
The battery life is the same for all the Fenix 7 models. You can get up to 18 days of battery life with any of the Fenix 7 models. However, those with solar glass promise up to 4 days extra making it a total of 22 days battery life.
Price
As a result of the difference in build quality and features, the prices of the different Fenix 7 models differ. In this case, the Fenix 7 base model is the cheapest at $650 while the Fenix 7 Solar has a $750 price tag. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, 7 Pro Solar and 7 Pro Solar (no wi-fi) have the same $800 price tags. On the other hand, the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar has the highest price tag of $900. Please note that these prices are based on the manufacturer’s stated price. It might be lower or higher in other stores.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar vs Fenix 7 Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi)
I know you might be wondering what’s the differences between the Pro Solar and Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) models especially considering they have the same price tag. Well, I was also confused at first before I asked for clarification.
The difference here as I stated above is that the no Wi-Fi model lacks Wi-Fi and as a result, it doesn’t have ECG, it won’t allow you to download music from Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music, and maps and music can only be added from the Garmin Express desktop app.
So why did Garmin create a no-Wi-Fi model? Well, we saw this with the Fenix 6 and from what I found out the no Wi-Fi unit is made for individuals who work in highly security-conscious agencies where any device with Wi-Fi capability is not allowed. The no Wi-Fi model is only available in 47 and 51mm sizes. So there is no Fenix 7S and no Wi-Fi model.
Fenix 7S Standard vs 7S Solar vs 7S Sapphire Solar vs 7S Pro Solar vs 7S Pro Sapphire Solar
Just like the Fenix 7, the Fenix 7S comes in different models which include Fenix 7S Standard, 7S Solar, 7S Sapphire Solar, 7S Pro Solar and 7S Pro Sapphire Solar.
Like the Fenix 7, the 7S Pro models have an LED flashlight, ECG app, and ambient light sensor. Furthermore, the Fenix 7S Sapphire solar and Pro models all support multi-band GPS and come with preloaded TopoActive maps, road and trail maps and ski resort maps. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7S base model and the now discontinued 7S Solar only come with preloaded ski resort maps, though you can still download TopoActive and road maps from the Garmin Connect app.
In terms of build quality, the Fenix 7S Sapphire models have a more premium build quality than the other models.
All the Fenix 7S models boast up to 11 days of battery life with the Solar models going up to 14 days from a single charge. As for the prices, the Fenix 7s base model retails for $650 while the Fenix 7s Sapphire Solar and 7S Pro Solar have $800 price tag. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar has the highest price tag of $900.
Fenix 7X Solar vs 7X Sapphire Solar vs 7X Pro Solar vs 7X Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) vs 7X Pro Sapphire Solar
The Fenix 7X series is available in Fenix 7X Solar which is now discontinued, Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Fenix 7X Pro Solar, Fenix 7X Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) and Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar.
Apart from the Fenix 7X Solar, the other four support multi-band GPS and come with preloaded TopoActive maps, road/trail and ski resort maps. Meanwhile, the 7X Solar doesn’t support multi-band GPS and it only comes with preloaded ski resort maps, you will have to download the other maps yourself.
Meanwhile, like with the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S, the Sapphire models have a more premium build. And the prices differ slightly. The Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Pro Solar and Pro Solar (no Wi-Fi) have the same price tag of $900 while the Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar costs a whopping $1000.
Which Model and Size Is Right For You?
The right model for you depends entirely on your budget. If you have the budget, of course, I want the Pro Sapphire Solar model since it is the most comprehensive.
On the other hand, the right size for you depends on your wrist size. The smallest 42mm size (Fenix 7S) is the best for individuals with small wrist sizes. While the 47mm (Fenix 7) and 51mm (Fenix 7X) units are best suited for individuals with bigger wrist sizes.