Written by Lodi
Edited on
29 August 2024
·
15:08
Compare all Garmin outdoor models
Do you want to buy a Garmin outdoor smartwatch, but don't know what the differences between the Garmin Epix, Garmin Fenix, and Garmin Instinct are? All functions and performance of these watches are very comparable. In particular, the screen and appearance are different. The Garmin Epix and Fenix look the same, and the Garmin Instinct has the longest battery life. In this article, you can read which series suits you best.
Garmin Epix Pro vs Garmin Fenix 7 Pro vs Garmin Instinct 2
| Epix Pro | Fenix 7 Pro | Instinct 2 Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 42mm (M) | 47mm (L) | 51mm (XL) | 42mm (M) | 47mm (L) | 51mm (XL) | 40mm (S) | 45mm (L) | 50mm (XL) |
| Battery life | 10 | 16 | 31 days | 14 | 22 | 37 days | 21 | 28 | 40 days |
| Solar options | No | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | AMOLED color screen | MIP color screen | MIP black-white screen |
| Controls | Touchscreen and buttons | Touchscreen and buttons | Buttons |
| Material | Plastic and stainless steel | Plastic and stainless steel | Plastic |
| Store music on watch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Navigation | Map with route line | Map with route line | Only line with arrow |
| Sports readings quality | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| ATM water hardness | 10 (swimming and snorkeling up to 100m deep) | 10 (swimming and snorkeling up to 100m deep) | 10 (swimming and snorkeling up to 100m deep) |
Excellent sports readings
If it's about performance, these 3 smartwatches are the same. You can track your sports performance excellently with every watch. We base this on what an average smartphone can do. These Garmin outdoor watches have a longer battery life and an accurate GPS and altimeter, for example. They're also waterproof up to 100m deep. You can measure a lot of extensive sports data like your VO2 max, running cadence, and swimming lanes. Lastly, you'll receive advice to better improve after a hard workout.
Screen and design
Epix Pro: AMOLED color screen
Garmin Epix smartwatches can withstand rough circumstances, but still look stylish. This is mostly thanks to the bright and colorful AMOLED screen. You can easily read all your data and notifications on this screen. You can control the Garmin Epix with a touchscreen and with buttons.
Fenix 7 Pro: MIP color screen
Fenix smartwatches only have a different screen from the Epix smartwatches. The Fenix has an MIP color screen. This screen is less bright and colorful than that of the Epix. An MIP screen is easier to read in bright sunlight. You can also control the Fenix 7 Pro with a touchscreen and buttons.
Instinct 2: MIP black-white screen
The Instinct looks different from the Epix and Fenix. It's made of plastic. This means the smartwatch can withstand scratches and bumps well. The MIP screen is black-white and much smaller, so it's harder to read notifications and data than on the Fenix and Epix. You can only control your watch with buttons, because you don't have a touchscreen.
Battery life and Solar
Epix Pro: shortest battery life
The battery life of the Garmin Epix smartwatches is much shorter than that of the Fenix and Epix. That's because of the AMOLED screen. It consumes more energy than an MIP screen. The Epix also doesn't have a Solar option, so you can't charge the watch using solar power. The battery life of all Epix models is still very long, namely 2 weeks or more.
Fenix 7 Pro: longer battery life and Solar
Thanks to the MIP screen, the Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches have a battery life of at least 2 weeks. Fenix Solar watches do charge via solar power. If you often hold your smartwatch in the sun, you can charge it using sunlight. That way, your watch doesn't drain as quickly and your battery lasts longer.
Instinct 2: longest battery life and Solar
Garmin Instinct smartwatches have the longest battery life of these 3 models: 3 weeks. That's because the black-white MIP screen is very energy-efficient. Just like with the Fenix, the Instinct Solar models via solar power. The battery drains more slowly this way, so your smartwatch lasts longer.
Conclusion
All 3 of these smartwatches are strong and suitable for rough circumstances. Whichever you choose, you can track your sports performance very accurately. Do you want a bright and colorful touchscreen? Go for a Garmin Epix. The Garmin Fenix is suitable for you if you'd prefer a longer battery life. Do you want an even longer battery life? And don't you mind a smaller screen that isn't a touchscreen? Consider the Garmin Instinct.
Article by Lodi
Smartwatch Expert.
