Garmin Fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Review: Built for the Adventurous Outdoors

The Garmin Fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a smartwatch designed for the adventurer who needs a reliable companion for outdoor activities. This watch promises a lot, from GPS tracking to solar charging, and aims to cater to those who push their limits outdoors.

After using it for a few weeks, I can say that it's built tough and has a host of features aimed at the active user. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making the purchase.

While the watch does boast some impressive attributes, like its robust build and long battery life, there's more to it than checking off a list of features.

In this review, I'll break down my experience with the Garmin Fēnix 7X and see if it lives up to the adventure-ready label it proudly wears.

The Fēnix 7X Pro's design is all about durability. It comes with a beefy 51 mm case, which might seem oversized to some, but I found it necessary for a watch that's meant to withstand the outdoors. The titanium bezel and rear cover add to its sturdiness, and I appreciated the scratch-resistant Power Sapphire™ solar charging lens. It's built to take a beating, and it shows.

The Fog Gray/Ember Orange band is a nice touch for those who want something different from the typical black or silver finishes. In terms of aesthetics, it stands out, and I received a few compliments on its unique look. However, if you're someone with smaller wrists, the size might take some getting used to.

The large 1.4” display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, which is crucial when you're out on a trail. The watch's buttons and touchscreen work well together, providing a user-friendly interface that didn't frustrate me even when wearing gloves.

Overall, the design gets the job done for those who prioritize function over form. It's a watch that feels like it's ready for whatever you throw at it, though it may not suit everyone's style preferences.

The battery life on the Garmin Fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is one of its standout features. Garmin claims up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and while I didn't quite get that, it still lasted impressively long compared to other smartwatches I've used.

The solar charging capability is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. During a week-long hiking trip, the watch never ran out of juice. Granted, I had plenty of sunlight, which plays a significant role, but it's reassuring to know that you have that extra layer of battery security.

Charging via the included USB-C cable is straightforward, and it reaches full charge relatively quickly. However, it's worth noting that if you're not getting enough sunlight, you will need to charge it more frequently, especially if you're using GPS and other power-hungry features extensively.

Overall, the battery life is one of the Fēnix 7X Pro's strongest points. It eliminates the constant worry of needing to recharge, which is a relief during extended trips.

Comfort can be subjective, especially when it comes to something like a smartwatch that you'll be wearing for long periods. The Fēnix 7X Pro is on the bulkier side, and if you're used to slimmer watches, it might take some time to adjust.

The Fog Gray/Ember Orange band is made of a flexible material that feels good on the wrist. It didn't cause any irritation even after wearing it for a full day. However, I did find myself adjusting it a few times to get the right fit, as the larger case size could feel a bit cumbersome during certain activities.

During workouts, the watch stayed in place well enough, and I didn't notice any significant discomfort. I wore it during a few different types of exercises, and it didn't interfere or become a distraction.

In summary, while it's not the most comfortable watch for everyday wear due to its size, it's manageable for active use. If you're someone who prefers a lighter feel, this might be something to consider.

Performance-wise, the Fēnix 7X Pro doesn't disappoint. It has a plethora of activity profiles, which makes it versatile for tracking different sports. I tested it while hiking, cycling, and running, and the GPS accuracy was pretty solid. It uses multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, which I found to be more reliable than some other models I've used before.

The advanced training features like the hill score and endurance score are interesting. They give you insights into how you're performing over time, which is useful if you're serious about your training. I also liked the real-time stamina updates, which helped me gauge how far I could push myself during long hikes.

The built-in flashlight is a neat addition. It has variable intensities and strobe modes, which came in handy on a couple of early morning runs and late-night hikes. It's not a replacement for a dedicated flashlight, but it's useful in a pinch.

In short, the Fēnix 7X Pro lives up to its promise of being a multisport watch. It's not perfect—some features are more useful than others—but it performs admirably in most scenarios.