Garmin has introduced Pro models for its Fenix 7 and Epix 2 series, which help simplify the lineup and introduce new options. The new Epix 2 Pro models remain the same price as the originals, the Fenix 7 Pro has become more expensive.
The good news is that the Garmin Epix 2 Pro is available in three sizes (the Epix 2 was only available in 47mm). This means it can support a 42mm, 47mm, or 51mm model with a 1.2″, 1.3″ or 1.4″ screen, respectively.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro
The Epix 2 Pro and the Fenix 7 Pro are quite similar in their capabilities, the main difference is the display. The Epix line uses an AMOLED display, while Fenix uses Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays, which are more power efficient, especially in Always On mode. That said, the difference has narrowed between the two and the AMOLED screen has better fidelity.
Looking at the 47mm models, the Epix 2 Pro can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, 6 days if you have Always-On Display mode enabled. GPS tracking will drain the battery in 42 hours or 32 hours if you enable the more accurate multi-band mode. The Fenix 2 Pro promises 22 days of battery life, 73 hours of GPS tracking, or 48 hours with multi-band enabled.
We mentioned that Garmin has simplified the range, here’s how – all models have a solar cell in the front, it’s no longer a separate option. Additionally, all models have 32GB of storage, which can be used for offline maps as well as offline music. Additionally, multi-band GPS is available on all models. Multi-band and 32GB of storage were once exclusive to the Sapphire tier.
Now standard in the Pro Series: flashlight • new maps and training modes
You can still choose the Fancy Sapphire Edition, which both changes the front glass and features a titanium bezel (the body is mostly fiber-reinforced polymer in both cases). Whether it’s worth the $100 upgrade is up to you.
Another change is that now all models have a flashlight, even the 42mm ones. It has two white LEDs and one red LED. This can be used as a flashlight, of course, but also as a strobe light if you’re going for a run at night. The flashlight is something that was previously only available on the large 51mm Fenix 7X. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Other notable changes include a brand new optical heart rate sensor (Elevate V5) and there’s unconfirmed reports that there’s ECG hardware on board. However, it hasn’t been certified and Garmin is legally prohibited from talking about it until it gets certified, so file that under “maybe”.
There are also software changes, such as shaded relief maps, weather overlays, “split-screen mode” (showing both a map and performance metrics), new endurance and hill scores, and more. .
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro now starts at $800 for the 42mm and 47mm models, up $100 from the Fenix 7/7S. Note that this compares to the non-solar 7/7S, the solar versions cost the same. The 51mm watch is $900, and the Sapphire upgrade for all three is $100 more. Check out the Fenix at Garmin.com .
The Garmin Epix 2 Pro starts at $900 for the 42mm and 47mm models, the 51mm costs $1,000, as does the non-Pro version. The Sapphire upgrade again costs $100 more. More on Garmin.com
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