OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£690Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:20 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Technical score

30%

8.7

Review score ( 10 · 8)

Review score 30% · 8.7 · based on 18 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 90% of smartwatches
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

24%

7.8

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

7.7

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

7.5

Display & Design

4%

5.5

Hardware

â–²Better than 86% of smartwatches
8.7

Review score

Review score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Grades by review (18)
10 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 6
✓ explicit
5

7.4%

9.0

livescience.com

7.4%

8.9

basic-tutorials.com

7.4%

8.0

mbr.co.uk

7.4%

8.0

bikeradar.com

7.4%

8.0

cyclingweekly.com

≈ estimated
1

7.4%

9.0

mystylegrid.com

Video reviews 6

3.7%

9.0

HMMüller

3.7%

9.0

Dave Crooks

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

3.7%

8.0

Geekyranjit

1.9%

8.0

Outta Time Tech

1.9%

8.0

MeTechCulous

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 97% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

24%

7.8

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

7.7

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

7.5

Display & Design

4%

5.5

Hardware

8.0
Review score
Review score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Grades by review (18)
10 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 6
✓ explicit
5

7.4%

9.0

livescience.com

7.4%

8.9

basic-tutorials.com

7.4%

8.0

mbr.co.uk

7.4%

8.0

bikeradar.com

7.4%

8.0

cyclingweekly.com

≈ estimated
1

7.4%

9.0

mystylegrid.com

Video reviews 6

3.7%

9.0

HMMüller

3.7%

9.0

Dave Crooks

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

3.7%

8.0

Geekyranjit

1.9%

8.0

Outta Time Tech

1.9%

8.0

MeTechCulous

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 62.7% of smartwatches.
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components:

60%

8.2

Overall score

40%

6.9

Price

7.8
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
â–² Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
20 days
Battery life
20 days
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 20 days which is longer than that of 91.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.7% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
25 h
Battery life in training mode
25 h
â–² Better than 64% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 25 h in training mode which is longer than 63.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.9% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
57 h
Battery life with GPS on
57 h
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 57 h with GPS on which is longer than 95.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Battery power
350 mAh
Battery power
350 mAh
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 350 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 64.5% of smartwatches and equal to those in 2.1% of smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
â–² Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
â–² Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Built-in multi-band GPS/GNSS support is available.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.3 inch
Screen size
1.3 inch
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.3 inch which is smaller than the screens of 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to those of 11.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
260x 260
Resolution
260x 260
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 260x260 which is lower than that of 65% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Pixel density
283 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.2 GHz
CPU speed
0.2 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.2 GHz which is slower than that in 78% of smartwatches and equal to that in 5.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
32 GB
Internal storage
32 GB
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 32 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 84.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 13.4% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 13 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    20 days
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 20 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    20 days vs 7 days
  • 37 h longer GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    57 h
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (57 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    57 h vs 20 h
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    sapphire
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Power Sapphire branding
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 610 m higher max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    9,144 m
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a higher maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (9144 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    Includes conversion from feet to meters.
    9,144 m vs 8,534 m
  • 13 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    20 days
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 20 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    20 days vs 7 days
  • 37 h longer GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    57 h
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (57 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    57 h vs 20 h
  • Solar charging support
    Solar power battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch supports solar charging, the average smartwatch does not. 2.1% of smartwatches support solar charging.
    Supports solar charging.
  • 5.75 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    25 h
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (25 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    25 h vs 19.25 h
  • 50 mAh larger battery capacity
    Solar power battery
    350 mAh
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (350 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Supports solar charging.
    350 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    sapphire
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Power Sapphire branding
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, titanium
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch uses silicone, titanium for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, titanium vs silicone
  • Better case material
    Case material
    titanium, fiber-reinforced polymer
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This smartwatch uses titanium, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    titanium, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • 50 m deeper water resistance
    Waterproof depth rating
    100 m
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a deeper waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (100 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    10 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    100 m vs 50 m
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • 28 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    32 GB
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX8
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX8 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 10 ATM water-resistance rating.
    IPX8 vs IP68
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 28 g heavier weight
    Weight
    73.0 g
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (73 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    73.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 5.31x more expensive
    Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£690 vs £130).
    £690 vs £130
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 50 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    30
    â–² Better than 32% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (30 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 30 exercise modes.
    30 vs 80
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX8
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX8 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 10 ATM water-resistance rating.
    IPX8 vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 28 g heavier weight
    Weight
    73.0 g
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (73 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    73.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 2.9 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    14.50 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.5 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.50 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 0.1 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.30 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.30 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    283 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 5 mm wider watch width
    Width
    47.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    260 x 260
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 260x260, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    260x260 vs 352x430
  • 2 mm taller watch height
    Height
    47.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Slower CPU speed
    CPU speed
    0.2 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.2 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.2 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
HMMüller
≈ estimated
19/01/2025
Long-term test · two years of use
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is still relevant in 2025 and a strong value for buyers who don't need the extra features.
8.0
Geekyranjit
≈ estimated
12/03/2022
Long-term test · about one month of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar has strong battery life and data, but lacks calls, LTE and wireless charging; worth a look if those don't matter.
9.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
Hands-on review · new features, solar and battery tests
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is very good overall for daily use and sport tracking, though the Epix display is nicer.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 8

Reviewers praise the long battery life and reliable GPS, but the display and health sensors leave many disappointed.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
bikeradar.com
✓ explicit
19/05/2022
Three-month test · Road cycling watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a comfortable cycling watch with long battery life and quick GPS, though its heart rate needs a chest strap for accuracy.
8.0
mbr.co.uk
✓ explicit
30/11/2022
Cycling review · Mountain bike watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a capable training and navigation watch for keen riders, but it is probably overkill for everyone else.
9.5
bergzeit.de
≈ estimated
14/06/2023
Field test · Multisport watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a solid multisport watch with a lighter build and long battery life, though it adds little over the Fenix 6.
9.0
suzannebrummel.com
≈ estimated
09/09/2022
Everyday wear test · Multisport watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is an all-round sports watch with long battery life and fast GPS, but its wrist heart rate lags during intervals.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar

  • Incredible battery life, often lasting weeks on a single charge
  • Highly accurate multi-band GPS and precise health tracking metrics
  • Extremely durable design with scratch-resistant Sapphire lens and titanium bezel
  • Responsive touchscreen that significantly improves map navigation
  • Versatile feature set including offline music (Spotify), Garmin Pay, and advanced training tools
  • Useful built-in LED flashlight (available on 7X and Pro models)

What we don't like about Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar

  • MIP display can appear dim, low-contrast, or reflective in indoor lighting
  • High price point makes it an expensive investment compared to competitors
  • Bulky and heavy design may be uncomfortable for small wrists or during sleep
  • Limited smartwatch features (e.g., no voice assistant or ability to take calls)
  • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than universal standards
  • Learning curve to navigate the vast array of menus and dual touch/button controls

Verdict

The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a premium 47mm multisport GPS watch featuring a scratch-resistant Power Sapphireâ„¢ lens, a titanium bezel, and a 1.3-inch transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) touchscreen with a 260x260 resolution. Key specifications include 32GB of internal storage, 10 ATM water resistance, and multi-band GNSS support for superior positioning accuracy. Its standout characteristic is an extensive battery life, offering up to 22 days in smartwatch mode or 73 hours in GPS-only mode when boosted by solar charging. Main pros include its rugged military-standard durability, preloaded TopoActive maps with Wi-Fi downloads, and advanced training metrics like Real-Time Stamina and Visual Race Predictor. However, notable cons include its high price point, a bulky design that may feel heavy on smaller wrists, and a display that lacks the vibrant clarity and brightness of newer AMOLED screens.

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