Garmin’s reputation in the world of GPS multisport watches is unquestioned. When two stellar models, the Fenix 7x Solar and the Sapphire, are released, it’s only natural for enthusiasts to delve deep into their differences.
Let’s break down these two behemoths and understand what each offers to decide which one should adorn your wrist.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Fenix 7x Solar | Fenix Sapphire |
| Craftsmanship and Endurance | Stainless steel and polymer build, durable | Titanium, stainless steel, and sapphire crystal, highly resilient and scratch-resistant |
| Display | Transflective LCD, good visibility in sunlight | Transflective LCD, enhanced durability with sapphire lens |
| Battery Life | Impressive battery life with solar charging, weeks without recharge | Extended battery life with solar charging, weeks without recharge |
| Performance Tracking | Comprehensive tracking features, suitable for most sports | Expanded metrics for niche activities, ideal for sports enthusiasts |
| Price Point | Starts at a more affordable range | Commands a higher price due to premium materials and features |
Fenix 7x Solar At a Glance
Key Features:
- Robust design, with a fusion of stainless steel and polymer.
- Employs the Solar charging lens.
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for impeccable location tracking.
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring.
- Feature-rich with sports apps and Garmin Pay.
Pros:
- Impressive battery life with solar charging.
- The design is both aesthetic and durable.
- Accurate activity tracking.
- Heart rate and pulse oximeters are top-notch.
Cons:
- Can be cumbersome for petite wrists.
- Fewer third-party apps.
- The solar function might not be optimal in low light.
Fenix Sapphire At a Glance
Key Features:
- Exquisite build with Titanium, stainless steel, and the hard-to-scratch sapphire crystal.
- Boasts of a Solar charging lens.
- Advanced sports metrics for niche activities.
- Seamless connection with GPS/GLONASS/Galileo.
- Same heart rate and pulse ox features as 7x Solar.
Pros:
- Almost invulnerable sapphire crystal screen.
- Enhanced battery life, thanks to solar.
- Tailored for intense outdoor escapades.
- Diverse activity profiles.
Cons:
- Heftier price tag.
- Still bulky for some users.
- Limited third-party app compatibility.
Also Read: Choose Between Polar Vantage V2 And M2.
Fenix 7x Solar vs. Sapphire: Head-to-Head
In today’s fast-paced world, having a smartwatch that can multitask as efficiently as we do has become essential. Enter Garmin’s Fenix series, with its two latest contenders: the Fenix 7x Solar and the Fenix 7x Sapphire. Which one is the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
- Design and Durability Comparison
The Fenix series is known for its rugged designs, tailor-made for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
- The Fenix 7x Solar has a reinforced design that ensures it withstands the bumps and scrapes that come with outdoor activities. It sports a stainless steel bezel and a polymer rear case. These materials offer a blend of lightweight flexibility and strength.
- The Fenix 7x Sapphire, on the other hand, steps up the game. It incorporates a titanium or stainless steel rear case, significantly improving scratch resistance. The highlight, however, is its sapphire crystal lens. This material is renowned for its almost unparalleled resistance to scratches.
Both watches have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making them suitable for splashes, showers, and even a few laps in the pool. Still, if durability and scratch resistance are at the top of your list, the Sapphire takes the cake.
- Display Comparison
When it comes to display, clarity, brightness, and responsiveness are crucial.
- Both watches use a transflective memory LCD. This type of display is energy-efficient and ensures clear visibility even in direct sunlight. However, their sizes differ, with the Fenix 7x Solar coming in at either 1.2″ or 1.3″, depending on the model.
- While the display technology remains consistent between the two models, the sapphire crystal on the Fenix 7x Sapphire ensures the screen remains pristine without any scratches or blemishes.
It’s worth noting that while Garmin’s displays are efficient and clear, they may not be as touch responsive as some other high-end smartwatches in the market. However, this is a conscious choice by Garmin to ensure the watches withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Battery Life Comparison
In the realm of smartwatches, battery life can make or break a deal.
- The Fenix 7x Solar, true to its name, brings solar charging to the table. It boasts up to 18 days in smartwatch mode, with potential extensions when exposed to sunlight. In GPS mode, it promises up to 42 hours.
- The Fenix 7x Sapphire has similar battery life figures. However, when the solar feature is leveraged, it can last up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and 57 hours in GPS mode. Of course, these figures can vary based on the intensity and duration of sunlight exposure.
While both watches offer impressive battery life, if you’re frequently outdoors, the solar charging feature can be a game-changer, giving the edge to the Sapphire model.
- Activity Tracking and Performance
Garmin’s Fenix series is revered for its accurate and diverse activity tracking.
- The Fenix 7x Solar is no slouch. It covers a wide range of sports from running, swimming, hiking to even golf. Metrics such as VO2 max, stride length, ascent/descent tracking, and more are at your fingertips.
- The Fenix 7x Sapphire offers all of the above and then some. It introduces more detailed metrics for specific sports like biking, swimming, and skiing. For those who are serious about their training, this could be the slight edge they need.
Both watches utilize GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems for accurate location tracking. The pulse ox and heart rate sensors are also consistent across the two, ensuring reliable readings during workouts.
Watch this review video:
- Smart Features Comparison
Beyond sports, a smartwatch’s value is in its everyday utility.
- Both the Fenix 7x Solar and Sapphire models excel in this regard. From Garmin Pay for swift contactless payments to receiving notifications and music storage, these watches integrate seamlessly into daily life. Safety features, including live location sharing and incident detection, are also incorporated, adding an extra layer of security for users.
The smart feature set remains consistent between both models, ensuring users don’t miss out regardless of their choice.
- Price Comparison
Finally, the price can often be the determining factor for many.
- The Fenix 7x Solar starts at a more affordable price range, making it accessible for a broader audience. Its features offer significant value for its cost.
- The Fenix 7x Sapphire, with its premium materials and additional metrics, comes at a higher price. The question for potential buyers is whether the enhanced durability and advanced tracking justify the price bump.
In the end, it’s a balance of budget and requirements that will steer the decision.
Also Read: Comparison Between Garmin Fenix 6 Pro And Fenix 6X Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Primarily, it boils down to materials. The Sapphire boasts a sapphire crystal lens and has enhanced durability with its titanium or stainless steel rear case.
The difference lies in size and materials. The 7S variants are smaller at 42mm. The Sapphire edition, however, offers the same durability upgrades as its bigger counterpart.
Power Glass is Garmin’s fortified glass, offering good resistance against scratches. However, it doesn’t match the robustness of the Sapphire crystal. Additionally, Power Glass models typically do not come with solar charging.
For those who prioritize durability and have a penchant for niche sports that require advanced metrics, the 7X Sapphire Solar offers unmatched value. For the average user, however, the standard 7X Solar may suffice.
Also Read: Comparison Between Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 6X Pro
Conclusion
The choice between the Fenix 7x Solar and the Fenix 7x Sapphire is not just about features but also about lifestyle. For the rugged adventurer who wants the best in durability and performance, the Sapphire is a clear choice.
However, for most fitness enthusiasts and everyday users, the Fenix 7x Solar offers a blend of functionality and affordability that is hard to beat. Whatever your decision, Garmin’s commitment to quality and performance shines through in both models.