Garmin Epix 2 introduction – Actually, Fenix 7 with AMOLED display

Tags: Review | Garmin | Men's | Smart

7.2.2022 | 4 MIN

Today, it is a harvest for lovers of smart devices. First, Garmin surprised us with information about releasing Fenix 7, and now, as a cherry on top, added the second generation of Garmin Epix. Except for a few differences, it has a similar soul to the flagship Fenix.

The main differences between the Epix and Fenix 7:

• AMOLED display
• shorter battery life
• does not use a solar battery

Personally, I would compare Epix and Fenix ​​7 with the Vívoactive and Venu series. One uses a transflective display, and the other one is AMOLED. The Same applies to the two new pioneers.

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So why this AMOLED?

Garmin has always been using a transflective LCD for outdoor models. Why? Because the light never goes out, and the more light falls on it, the more the display glows. It is an amazing characteristic for somebody who often spends time under the direct sun. So why AMOLED?

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Because people demand it. The competition offers millions of colors, a beautifully contrasting design, and then there is Garmin, looking a bit outdated across the market (in the eye of a laic).  Or at least its display is. So now Garmin answers by releasing the Epix model with a beautiful and contrasting display. Plus it is all built so that the battery life wouldn't suffer so much.

In the Always-On mode, the Epix holds on for up to 6 days, and if the display goes out, it lasts for 16 days, which is more than the medium size of the Fenix 6.

What is the difference between the standard Epix and the Sapphire Epix?

Epix is made in two variants, and the Sapphire version is considered to be the more exclusive one as it has a sapphire crystal, and the bezel and the case back are titanium. Inside, there is a storage of 32 GB (the standard version has 16 GB) with pre-installed maps of the whole world. You need to download the maps yourself to the basic version. The Sapphire version has also a slight chance of better quality when it comes to route tracking since it can receive the signal in two bands, while the basic version cannot do that.

The Sapphire version.

In contrast, the basic version has a Corning Gorilla Glass DX glass and a steel case back and bezel. In total, there are 3 models with a sapphire crystal, and 1 uses the gorilla.

Another Sapphire version (left) and the basic version (right).

The battery is very decent, but the Fenix ​​7 is still ahead.

Yes, the battery life is definitely above average, yet Fenix is still better. In smartwatch mode, Epix lasts 16 days (6 days), with GPS 42 hours (30 hours), and with reception from all satellites, it is 32 hours (24 hours). If you play music, you get around 10 hours (9 hours). The numbers in parentheses indicate the battery life when Active-On mode is active.

In contrast, the medium-sized Fenix ​​7 lasts 57 hours when receiving a GPS signal and 40 hours when receiving singnal from all satellites.

What functions can you find in the Epix model?

More or less, it is enough to read the review of the Phoenix 6 because the Epix is ​​built on the same foundation. There are maps, contactless payments, a music player, and all the sports and smart functions. And since this is a premium model, yes, there is really everything. There are also some novelties, same as in Fenix 7.

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One of the main functions is the Real Time Stamina, which can predict how long you are capable to run/ride at a specific speed/pace. The value is calculated based on your previous training history, heart rate, and pace.

The Up Ahead function displays the following waypoints in the navigation. So if you create a route and enter refreshments and other key points on the route, the watch will show you the distance from these points.

The MTB grit uses an accelerometer to evaluate how much you "bump along", how much you jump, etc. The watch also measures the number of jumps, their stride, and the time spent "in the air". MTB Flow uses the accelerometer to see how you break and how smoothly you handle curves. This function is only known from the cyclocomputer EDGE.

Added was also the health snapshot, which until now was only in Garmin Venu 2. In under a minute, the watch simply measures everything it can and throws it into one list.

The Epix model can also evaluate the dynamics of cross-country skiing when in combination with the right chest strap.

Who is the second generation of Epix for?

You are right to think Epix is too similar to Fenix 7. The main difference is the display. But if you don't care about the display, why take the Epix?

It is more suitable for someone with impaired vision. Especially on the move, it can be difficult for some to read the data on the screen. The AMOLED is brighter, has a better refresh rate, and can be much more readable at rest or while moving.

It may sound silly, but certainly, appearance is a thing. Not only does the Epix look good, but the display also helps to catch the attention. On the contrary, the Fenix ​​7 is purely outdoor, where functionality is always superior to appearance.

What do you think of Epix 2? Is this a good move by Garmin?