Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Adventure watch with wrist torch.

Enhanced heart rate sensor, clearer display, extended battery, and upgraded metrics elevate premier multisport smartwatch.

Recently, Garmin has been consistently upgrading its popular sports smartwatches, and now it’s the top adventure watch’s turn with the introduction of next-gen technology and new features in the Fenix 7 Pro.

Priced at £750, this torch-equipped, versatile watch falls into the luxury category, comparable to Apple’s £849 Watch Ultra and the £800 and above Epix line. While it’s £150 more than the base Fenix 7, it aligns with the cost of previous solar-charging models. What additional features justify the price?

Garmin employs its “Pro” models to integrate new technology into its watch lineup while preserving the robust design of the original Fenix 7. Available in 42, 47, or 51mm sizes to accommodate various wrist widths, it exudes a serious and purposeful aesthetic.

The 7 Pro features Garmin’s advanced low-power LCD touchscreen, offering a noticeably sharper and more readable display indoors compared to previous solar-charging versions. Although it may not match the visual appeal of recent OLED models, it excels in visibility under bright sunlight, incorporates solar charging, and consumes significantly less power. For those prioritizing durability, there’s an option for sapphire glass and titanium models.

A notable enhancement is the LED light situated on the top edge of the watch, initially exclusive to the Fenix 7X last year but now present in every size of the 7 Pro. This bright light serves practical purposes, such as aiding navigation in the dark, akin to a phone torch. Its utility extends to everyday tasks, proving handy while rummaging through cabinets, taking out the trash at night, and more.

The LED function doubles as a strobing running light, emitting white light as your arm swings forward and red light on the backward motion. While it doesn’t substitute a head torch or chest light, enhancing visibility to cars at night is a positive outcome.

Furthermore, all 7 Pro models feature Garmin’s top-tier multi-band GPS, markedly enhancing tracking precision in challenging environments like forests or urban areas with tall buildings.

Specifications:

• Display: Transflective MIP LCD, available in 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 inches
• Case Sizes: 42, 47, or 51mm
• Case Thickness: Ranges from 14.1mm to 14.9mm
• Band Sizes: Quick-fit options in 20, 22, or 26mm
• Weight: Body-only weight varies from 42g to 68g
• Storage: 32GB
• Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters (10ATM)
• Sensors: Multi-band GNSS (GPS, Glonass, Galileo), compass, thermometer, heart rate, pulse Ox
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

The watch’s rear features Garmin’s latest fifth-generation optical heart rate monitor, distinguished by its wider design and noticeable alterations that enhance reliability during wrist movements or unconventional angles. This improvement aids in precise tracking during strenuous exercises like weightlifting or cycling. Overall, the sensor stands out as the most responsive and accurate optical monitor, approaching the effectiveness of a chest strap for most users.

The 7 Pro comprehensively tracks a wide range of activities, expanding upon the already extensive list from the Fenix 7 with an additional 30 sport profiles. Offering complete offline mapping on the wrist, it caters to both pre-planned routes and spontaneous navigation in case of getting lost—an uncommon feature among competitors. The maps now include enhanced steepness markings, and weather conditions can be overlaid on your location, resembling smartphone radar weather maps.

Exclusive to the 7 Pro, with the possibility of extending to other models through software updates, are two new metrics: hill score and endurance score.

Extended battery duration coupled with solar charging capabilities.

Benefiting from the low-power LCD screen, the Fenix 7 Pro boasts an impressive battery life. When utilized as a smartwatch with features like phone notifications, general activity and sleep tracking, timer settings, frequent torch use, and more, it reliably lasts for 16 days. With reduced torch usage or incorporating several hours of solar charging daily, the duration between charges extends to an impressive 22 days.

The battery life dedicated to running and other sport tracking functionalities is equally impressive, offering up to 136 hours of GPS tracking in its most energy-efficient mode or an extended 40 days in the specialized “expedition mode.” With daily solar charging, the duration can be further extended.

During typical running sessions, the watch consumed approximately 6-7% of the battery in 80 minutes using its default automatic GPS mode without music, or 12% with offline music from Spotify. This translates to a minimum of 22 hours of high-precision tracking, a duration well-suited for most activities.

Sustainability

The Fenix 7 Pro is designed for ease of repair. The battery is expected to endure several years of regular charging cycles while retaining a minimum of 80% capacity. While the watch does not incorporate recycled materials, Garmin ensures a minimum of two years of security updates post-release, often extending support beyond this timeframe. The company provides trade-in options for certain product lines and adheres to WEEE and other local electronics recycling regulations.

Price

The Fenix 7 Pro series begins at £749.99 ($799.99/A$1,349) and peaks at £1,099.99 for the highest-tier model.

In contrast, the Fenix 7 kicks off at £560, the Epix Pro starts at £830, the Apple Watch Ultra is priced at £849, the Corps Vertix 2 is available for £599, and the Suunto Vertical carries a price tag of £545.

Conclusion

The Fenix 7 Pro solidifies Garmin’s dominance in the adventure-watch market by integrating next-gen heart rate sensor and screen technology into the already highly capable Fenix 7.

The addition of solar charging across all models, improved maps, and the highest-precision multi-band GPS is commendable. Coupled with software enhancements in Garmin’s top-tier sport tracking, an exceptionally prolonged battery life, and compatibility with both Android and iPhone, the Fenix 7 Pro offers a comprehensive package. Each user may utilize only a fraction of its features, but the versatility caters to individual preferences.

Despite its £750 price tag, the seemingly simple inclusion of a built-in torch at the top stands out as an extremely useful feature in daily life and nighttime running—a characteristic that should be standard in every watch.

As the ultimate adventure smartwatch, the Fenix 7 Pro slightly outshines its already outstanding predecessor. Although the cost is substantial, for some, the investment will be justified.

Pros: Comprehensive activity tracking, integrated torch, next-gen HR sensor, extended battery life with solar charging, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping, offline Spotify, 100-meter water resistance, buttons and touch controls, and the most accurate GPS.

Cons: High cost, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, fewer smartwatch features compared to Apple/Google/Samsung watches, lack of voice control, and a basic screen compared to OLED displays.