Earlier this year, Garmin released the Fenix 7 series of smartwatches which succeeds the very popular and highly rated Fenix 6. Although the new watches spot a very similar appearance to their respective predecessors, they come with new features like more sports profiles, the screen is now touch-sensitive, the Garmin Connect app is now available on these watches, the heart rate sensor has been improved, you can now download maps directly on these watches using the new map manager app, and the Fenix 7 series have longer battery life than the Fenix 6 series.
Just like the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 7 series comes in three sizes; 42mm, 47mm and 51mm which represent Fenix 7S, Fenix 7 and Fenix 7X respectively. Each of these is available in three models except for the Fenix 7X which is available in two models. Although each of these has a lot in common, there are slight discrepancies. This detailed guide compares Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X so that you know the differences.
Introducing all the Fenix 7 Series Models and Their Differences
Before we continue, you need to know all the models in the Fenix 7 series. There are 8 models in total. Three 7S models, Fenix 7S Standard, Fenix 7S Solar and Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar. Similarly, the Fenix 7 comes in Fenix 7 Standard, Fenix 7 Solar and Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar just like the 7S. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7X is only available in two models, Fenix 7X Solar and Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
In all, you have 8 different models in the Fenix 7 Series.
All the models share a lot of similarities except for slight differences. The Standard and Solar models are the same in every aspect except that the Solar models have longer battery life. As a result, they are priced higher.
On the other hand, the Sapphire Solar models have the most durable build, feature more maps, have higher storage and multi-band GPS for better accuracy in location tracking. As a result, the Sapphire Solar models are priced higher than the Standard (base) and Solar models.
In other words, the Sapphire Solar models have a more sophisticated Sapphire glass against Corning Gorilla Glass 3 of the base and Solar models. It also has a titanium bezel and titanium cover compared to the stainless steel bezel and stainless steel cover of the other two models. It has 32GB storage compared to 16GB of the other two and comes with preloaded Topo maps, road/trail, and ski resort maps. The base and Solar models come with only ski resort maps but you can download the other two maps using the built-in map manager app.
Garmin Fenix 7S vs 7 vs 7X Full Specifications Comparison
Featured in this comparison table are the Sapphire Solar Models of all three (7S, 7, and 7X).
| Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | |||
| Device name | Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar |
| Device type | Fitness/GPS smartwatch | Fitness/GPS smartwatch | Fitness/GPS smartwatch |
| Predessesor | Garmin Fenix 6S Pro | Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar |
| Successor | -- | -- | -- |
| Released date | January, 2022 | January, 2022 | January, 2022 |
| Ideal for | Women | Men | Men |
DISPLAY | |||
| Display type | Transflective MIP LCD | Transflective MIP LCD | Transflective MIP LCD |
| Display size | 1.2 inch | 1.3 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
| Pixel density | 283 PPI | 283 PPI | 283 PPI |
| Input type | 5 buttons, Touchscreen | 5 buttons, Touchscreen | 5 buttons, Touchscreen |
| Always-on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BODY | |||
| Shape | Circular | Circular | Circular |
| Dimension | 42 x 42 x 14.1 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm |
| Weight | 58 grams | 73 grams | 89 grams |
| Casing material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover |
| Strap/band material | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Titanium | Titanium |
| Strap size | 20mm | 22mm | 26mm |
| Interchangeable band | Yes, 20mm | Yes, 22mm | Yes, 26mm |
| Screen protection | Power Sapphire glass | Power Sapphire Glass | Power Sapphire Glass |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 10ATM | Yes, 10ATM | Yes, 10ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Dark-bronze/shale-gray band Carbon-gray/black band Cream-gold/light-sand band | Mineral-blue/whitestone band Carbon-gray/black band Black/black band | Mineral-blue/whitestone band Carbon-gray/black band Black/black band |
MEMORY | |||
| RAM | -- | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Bluetooth | Yes, and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment system | Garmin pay | Garmin pay | Garmin pay |
| GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | |||
| Technology | No | No | No |
| SIM | No | No | No |
| Band | No | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | |||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | Yes, (Android Only) | Yes, (Android Only) | Yes, (Android Only) |
FITNESS TRACKING | |||
| Sleep apnea | No | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preloaded maps | Yes (preloaded ski resort maps) | Yes (preloaded ski resort maps) | Yes (preloaded ski resort maps) |
| On-screen workout modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Triathlon mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG Tracking | No | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MEDIA | |||
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Radio | No | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No | No |
| Camera | No | No | No |
SENSORS | |||
| Garmin elevate heart rate sensor, Spo2 sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer and thermometer. | Garmin elevate heart rate sensor, Spo2 sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer and thermometer. | Garmin elevate heart rate sensor, Spo2 sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer and thermometer. | |
PLATFORM | |||
| Operating system (OS) | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Chipset | -- | -- | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- | -- |
BATTERY | |||
| Type of battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- | -- |
| Battery life | Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days (14 days with solar) Battery saver mode: Up to 38 days (87 days with solar) GPS only mode: Up to 37hrs (46hrs with solar) GPS with music: Up to 7hrs Expedition GPS mode: Up to 26 days (43 days with solar) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 18 days (22 days with solar) Battery saver mode: Up to 57 days (173 days with solar) GPS only mode: Up to 57hrs (73hrs with solar) GPS with music: Up to 10hrs Expedition GPS mode: Up to 40 days (74 days with solar) | Smartwatch mode: Up to 28 days (37 days with solar) Battery saver mode: Up to 90 days (1yr+ with solar) GPS only mode: Up to 89hrs (122hrs with solar) GPS with music: Up to 16hrs Expedition GPS mode: Up to 62 days (139 days with solar) |
| Charging type | USB charging cable | USB charging cable | USB charging cable |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Solar power | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rapid charging | No | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | |||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | |||
| Control camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MISC | |||
| Compatibility | Android 7.0+ IOS 13.0+ Check if your device is compatible | Android 7.0+ IOS 13.0+ Check if your device is compatible | Android 7.0+ IOS 13.0+ Check if your device is compatible |
| Companion app | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ |
| Voice command | No | No | No |
BOX CONTENTS | |||
| Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar | Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | |
| Straps | Straps | Straps | |
| USB charging cable | USB charging cable | USB charging cable | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
| NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error. | |||
| Official Site | Official Site | Official Site | |
