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 Solar Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£530Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:22 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 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 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Technical score

30%

8.9

Review score ( 9 · 11)

Review score 30% · 8.9 · based on 20 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 92% 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%

9.2

Fitness

16%

8.3

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.5

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

4.7

Hardware

â–²Better than 86% of smartwatches
8.9

Review score

Review score
8.9/ 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 100% of models
Grades by review (20)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 11 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 3
✓ explicit
1

7.4%

8.9

220triathlon.com

≈ estimated
2

7.4%

9.5

irunfar.com

7.4%

9.0

yachtingmonthly.com

Video reviews 6

3.7%

9.5

Clint Gibbs

3.7%

9.5

Pocket-lint

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

1.8%

9.0

DesFit

1.8%

7.0

HMMüller

1.8%

7.0

Ryan's Tech

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 100% of smartwatches
  • No image
No image

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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 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%

9.2

Fitness

16%

8.3

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.5

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

4.7

Hardware

8.0
Review score
Review score
8.9/ 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 100% of models
Grades by review (20)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 11 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 3
✓ explicit
1

7.4%

8.9

220triathlon.com

≈ estimated
2

7.4%

9.5

irunfar.com

7.4%

9.0

yachtingmonthly.com

Video reviews 6

3.7%

9.5

Clint Gibbs

3.7%

9.5

Pocket-lint

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

1.8%

9.0

DesFit

1.8%

7.0

HMMüller

1.8%

7.0

Ryan's Tech

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 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 60% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar has a popularity of 7.2 points, which is higher than 60.5% of smartwatches.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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 74% of models
Score components:

60%

8.3

Overall score

40%

7.7

Price

8.1
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.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
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.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
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
What reviewers say
Battery life
22 days
Battery life
22 days
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 22 days which is longer than that of 93.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
48.5 h
Battery life in training mode
48.5 h
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 48.5 h in training mode which is longer than 92% 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.
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.
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
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
NXP RT500
Processor model
NXP RT500
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
This smartwatch uses the NXP RT500 processor model.
RAM
?
Internal storage
16 GB
Internal storage
16 GB
â–² Better than 80% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 16 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 79.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% 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 Solar vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 15 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    22 days
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 22 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    22 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.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • 29.25 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    48.5 h
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (48.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    48.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 15 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    22 days
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 22 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    22 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
  • 29.25 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    48.5 h
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (48.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    48.5 h vs 19.25 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.
  • 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
    Corning Gorilla Glass DX
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass DX display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Power Glass branding
    Corning Gorilla Glass DX 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.
  • 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
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • 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.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • 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.
    occasional vs ended
  • 12 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    16 GB
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (16 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    16 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
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 4.08x more expensive
    Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£530 vs £130).
    £530 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.
  • 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
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 34 g heavier weight
    Weight
    79.0 g
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (79 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    79.0 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

9.5
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
14/05/2023
Long-term review · two months of cycling, kayaking, hiking and skiing
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar suits a mix of cycling, kayaking, hiking and skiing, with excellent battery life.
9.5
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
14/05/2023
Long-term review · two months of cycling, kayaking, hiking and skiing
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar suits a mix of cycling, kayaking, hiking and skiing, with excellent battery life.
9.5
Pocket-lint
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
Full review · reliability, fitness tracking, battery and features
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is a very reliable all-round fitness watch, though owners of the Fenix 6 have little reason to upgrade.
9.5
Pocket-lint
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
Full review · reliability, fitness tracking, battery and features
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is a very reliable all-round fitness watch, though owners of the Fenix 6 have little reason to upgrade.
9.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
In-depth review · new features and battery tests
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is very good overall, with strong battery life and useful new features, though its display trails the Epix.
9.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
In-depth review · new features and battery tests
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is very good overall, with strong battery life and useful new features, though its display trails the Epix.
9.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
Lineup overview · feature walkthrough and flashlight demo
Verdict
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar's touchscreen and solar charging upgrades are welcome, and the 7X flashlight is a real standout.
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers like the strong battery, touchscreen-plus-buttons combo and training insights, but many find the screen hard to read and the watch bulky.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.9
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
08/01/2026
Hands-on test · Triathlon training watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar suits serious triathletes, with solar charging and real-time stamina tracking, but it can feel bulky on smaller wrists.
9.0
yachtingmonthly.com
≈ estimated
21/11/2023
Year-long use · Sailing and multisport
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar is a robust multisport watch with a sailing race countdown and surf mode, but its many functions take time to learn.
9.0
andreagaleazzi.com
≈ estimated
18/01/2022
Hands-on review · Hiking and fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar nearly doubles the Fenix 6's battery and handles hiking navigation well, but it has no speaker or microphone for calls.
8.8
gearlimits.com
✓ explicit
13/06/2023
Real-world test · Multi-day hike
Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar tracks multi-day hikes accurately and lasts about four days of hiking between charges, but its small screen makes map navigation hard.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Fenix 7 Solar

  • Exceptional battery life, significantly extended by solar charging in sunny conditions
  • Highly accurate multi-band GPS and comprehensive multi-sport tracking
  • Extremely durable and robust build quality, often described as 'tank-like'
  • Responsive touchscreen that complements the traditional five-button control system
  • Excellent offline mapping and navigation features
  • Useful built-in LED flashlight (available on Pro and 7X models)

What we don't like about Garmin Fenix 7 Solar

  • High retail price compared to competitors and previous models
  • Transflective MIP display lacks the vibrancy and clarity of modern AMOLED screens
  • Can feel bulky or heavy, especially for those with smaller wrists
  • Garmin Connect mobile app can feel dated or unintuitive to some users
  • Limited smartwatch features and third-party app support compared to Apple or Samsung
  • Solar charging benefits are highly dependent on direct sunlight exposure

Verdict

The Garmin fēnix 7 Solar is a rugged 47mm multisport GPS smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch sunlight-visible transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display (260 x 260 pixels) protected by a Power Glass solar charging lens. Built to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance (10 ATM), it introduces a responsive touchscreen alongside traditional button controls and offers 16GB of storage for preloaded TopoActive maps. Core characteristics include multi-GNSS satellite support, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, and advanced training metrics like real-time stamina and recovery advisor. Its primary pros are exceptional battery longevity—lasting up to 22 days in smartwatch mode or 73 hours in GPS mode with solar assistance—and highly accurate tracking for over 30 sport profiles. Notable cons include a display that lacks the vividness and brightness of modern AMOLED screens, limited smartwatch features compared to competitors, and a high price point that may be prohibitive for casual users.

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