Garmin Fenix 7

Garmin has long been a leader in the world of GPS technology and fitness tracking, and the Fenix 7 is a testament to their commitment to excellence. Released in January 2022, this multi-sport GPS smartwatch has an Australian RRP starting at $1,149, positioning it as a premium option for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It blends advanced features with rugged durability, making it an ideal companion for a variety of activities, from mountain climbing to marathon training.

A significant highlight of the Fenix 7 is its comprehensive GPS capabilities. It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This ensures accurate tracking in the most challenging environments, whether deep in the wilderness or navigating urban canyons. The addition of multi-band frequency support further enhances precision, providing reliable location data even in areas with weak signals.

The Fenix 7 boasts a 1.2-inch always-on display, which is easy to read in various lighting conditions. The screen is protected by a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens, ensuring durability during intense activities. The case is constructed from fibre-reinforced polymer with a metal rear cover, offering a robust build that withstands harsh conditions. Water-rated to 10 ATM, it can handle depths of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming, snorkelling, and even high-speed water sports.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any outdoor watch, and the Fenix 7 excels in this area. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 11 days on a single charge and in Battery Saver Mode, it can last for up to 38 days, reducing the need for frequent recharging. 

Fitness and health tracking are at the core of the Fenix 7’s functionality. It offers a wide range of features to monitor various aspects of physical well-being. Heart rate monitoring is available around the clock, providing real-time data and trends over time. The Pulse Ox sensor measures blood oxygen saturation, an essential metric for acclimating to high altitudes and monitoring sleep quality. Advanced sleep tracking offers insights into sleep stages, helping users optimise their rest and recovery.

Training and performance metrics are another strong suit of the Fenix 7. It includes VO2 max estimation, training load balance, and recovery time suggestions, all designed to help athletes optimise their training routines. The watch also features a comprehensive suite of sport modes, covering everything from running and cycling to skiing and golfing. Customisable data fields and activity profiles allow users to tailor the watch to their specific needs, ensuring they have the information they need at a glance.

Navigation and mapping capabilities are enhanced with preloaded TOPO maps, offering detailed information about terrain and trails. Ski enthusiasts will appreciate the SkiView maps, which provide run names and difficulty ratings for over 2,000 ski resorts worldwide. Additionally, the Fenix 7 supports turn-by-turn navigation and round-trip routing, making it easy to explore new routes and return safely to the starting point.

Connectivity options in the Fenix 7 are extensive. It includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ support, enabling seamless integration with a range of devices and sensors. Smart notifications keep users connected, delivering calls, texts, and app alerts directly to the wrist. Music storage and streaming capabilities allow for phone-free listening during workouts, with compatibility for popular services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer.

Customisation is another appealing aspect of the Fenix 7. Users can choose from a variety of watch faces, data fields, and widgets to personalise their experience. The Garmin Connect app provides a platform for reviewing activities, setting goals, and engaging with the online fitness community.

In summary, the Garmin Fenix 7 stands out as a top-tier multi-sport GPS smartwatch, offering an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its robust build, advanced tracking capabilities, and extensive battery life make it a reliable companion for any adventure, while its comprehensive health and fitness monitoring tools ensure users can optimise their performance and well-being. With the Fenix 7, Garmin has once again delivered a versatile and powerful tool that meets the demands of those who push their limits.

This description was last updated September 2024.