Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Review: A Rugged Companion for the Adventurous

The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is marketed as the ultimate multisport GPS smartwatch. It’s got a lot packed into it: GPS, solar charging, a built-in flashlight, and more. But how does it stack up in real-world use? I spent a couple of weeks with it to find out.

Right off the bat, this watch is for those who take their adventure seriously. With a 51 mm case and a hefty build, it's not the kind of watch you wear to blend in. It's designed to endure the elements, which I appreciated during a couple of rainy hikes.

While the fēnix 7X Pro is loaded with features, the question is whether these features justify its price tag for the average user. If you’re someone who's out in the field more than at a desk, this watch could be a good fit.

In this review, I’ll cover everything from design to performance, giving you an honest take on whether this smartwatch is worth your hard-earned money.

The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar isn’t cheap, but it packs a lot of value for the right user. If you’re someone who will utilize its extensive feature set, from advanced GPS tracking to detailed health metrics, you might find it a worthwhile investment.

Compared to other smartwatches on the market, the fēnix 7X Pro is on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, it offers features that others don’t, like solar charging and robust outdoor navigation capabilities. If those are priorities for you, it's easier to justify the cost.

On the other hand, if you’re after a smartwatch mainly for notifications and casual fitness tracking, there are more affordable options out there. The fēnix 7X Pro is overkill for that kind of use, and you’d be paying for features you might never use.

Ultimately, the value of this watch depends on your needs. For serious athletes and adventurers, it delivers a range of features that can enhance your outdoor activities. For more casual users, it might be worth looking at less costly alternatives.

The design of the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is all about ruggedness and functionality. With a 51 mm case, it’s not subtle, but it’s not meant to be. The size and the Carbon Gray DLC Titanium finish scream durability. This isn't a watch you’ll easily scratch; it feels like it’s built to last through any adventure you throw at it.

Wearing it, you definitely feel its presence on your wrist. The weight, around 89 grams, isn’t exactly light, but it balances well given its size. The button layout is practical, providing tactile feedback even in wet conditions. Garmin has done a solid job in making sure the watch can withstand harsh environments.

One thing that stands out is the 1.4-inch display. It’s easy to read in bright sunlight, thanks to its transflective display technology. However, if you’re looking for a sleek, modern look, you might find this design a bit too utilitarian. That said, for those who need function over form, this design works.

In essence, the design is practical and well thought out for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re into rugged aesthetics and need a watch that can take a beating, the fēnix 7X Pro fits the bill pretty well.

If there's one thing that stands out about the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro, it’s the battery life. The combination of a sizeable lithium polymer battery and the Power Sapphire solar charging lens allows this watch to go the distance. Garmin claims up to 37 days in smartwatch mode, and while I didn’t push it that far, the battery life was impressive during my tests.

Solar charging is a feature that really sets it apart. While it doesn’t mean you’ll never need to charge it via USB-C, it certainly reduces the frequency. During my typical usage, which included GPS tracking and notifications, I found myself charging it far less than other smartwatches I’ve used.

The battery performance is particularly useful for long trips where charging might not be convenient. It’s an attractive feature for those who find themselves in remote locations often.

Overall, the battery life of the fēnix 7X Pro is a strong selling point. For outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants a watch that won’t die mid-adventure, this is a significant advantage.

Comfort is a subjective aspect, and the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro might not be for everyone. Its 51 mm case is sizable, and wearing it feels substantial. For those with smaller wrists, this could be uncomfortable over long periods.

The watch band is made of a durable material, which is great for resisting wear and tear but might not be the softest against the skin. I found it comfortable enough for daily wear, but those not used to larger watches might disagree.

On the plus side, the watch's weight, while noticeable, is balanced well. I wore it during several workouts and didn’t find it overly cumbersome. However, if you’re not accustomed to wearing a larger watch, it might take time to get used to.

In summary, comfort can be a hit or miss with this smartwatch, largely depending on your wrist size and how you perceive weight. It’s worth trying on first if possible to see how it feels for you.

When it comes to performance, the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro doesn’t skimp on features. The GPS capabilities are impressive, with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology offering precise tracking even in challenging environments. I found it reliable during my hiking excursions, keeping me on track with its preloaded TopoActive maps.

The watch also shines in terms of training and health features. The hill score and real-time stamina updates provide relevant data for serious athletes. I found the 24/7 health monitoring robust, although it’s worth noting that these are estimates, not medical-grade measurements.

Battery life is another strong point. The solar charging capability extends the battery life impressively. While I didn’t get to test the full 37 days in smartwatch mode, I did notice less frequent charging compared to other smartwatches I’ve used. It’s a relief not to worry about charging it every night.

On the downside, some features like Pulse Ox aren’t available in all regions, which could be limiting. Overall, the fēnix 7X Pro delivers on its promise of being a performance-oriented smartwatch, especially for those who like to push their limits outdoors.