The new Garmin Epix Pro is a remarkable timepiece that expands the Epix lineup with three different sizes. But that’s not all—Garmin has also unveiled a cutting-edge next-generation heart rate sensor, taking training feedback beyond just VO2 max.
The Epix Pro now features new topo map overlays, offering enhanced navigation capabilities. Additionally, it includes weather map overlays for rain and cloud cover, providing essential information for your outdoor adventures. What’s more, the dedicated LED flashlight, originally launched on the Fenix 7x, has been further improved and is now available in all three sizes of the Epix Pro. Check out the latest price of Epix Pro here.
To top it all off, Garmin has managed to fit the extremely large battery from the Enduro 2 into the largest 51-millimeter Epix Pro, ensuring long-lasting power for your expeditions.
Over the past four weeks, I have been using the new Epix Pro extensively for various activities like running, mountain biking, road biking, trail running, weight training, and high-intensity interval training. As a result, I have gained valuable insights into how these new features perform in real-world scenarios.
In this Garmin Epix Pro Review, I will provide an in-depth review of all the new features, highlighting what works exceptionally well and also pointing out areas for improvement. You can expect detailed information about battery life and the accuracy of the new heart rate sensor.
However, the Epix Pro is not the only exciting release from Garmin today. They are also launching the Fenix 7 Pro, which shares many of the same features as the Epix Pro. The Fenix 7 Pro, however, offers an upgraded memory and pixel display for an even better user experience.
Design And Display:
Let’s begin with the various sizes of the Epix Pro. Just like the Fenix Series, there are three sizes available: a 51-millimeter version, a 47-millimeter version, and a 42-millimeter version.
This ensures that there is an Epix Pro suitable for wrists of different sizes. The version I’ve been testing is the 51-millimeter Epix Pro, and I can attest to its comfortable fit on my 185-millimeter circumference wrist.
While I don’t have the 42 or 47-millimeter versions with me, the 47-millimeter Epix Pro is the same size as the original Epix Gen 2. To give you a size comparison, I’ve included an image of the 42-millimeter Fenix 7s, which is the same size as the 42-millimeter Epix Pro.
Regarding dimensions and weight, there is negligible difference between the Epix Pro and the Fenix 7 or Fenix 7 Pro. Although there may be a few grams here and there, they are essentially the same.
An interesting aspect of the 51-millimeter Epix Pro is that Garmin has managed to fit the larger battery found in the Enduro 2, even though it has the same case size as the Fenix 7x. I will provide more details on this when discussing battery life.
Display:
In terms of materials, Garmin offers both stainless steel and titanium versions of the Epix Pro. The stainless steel versions come with a Gorilla Glass lens, while the titanium versions feature a sapphire lens.
There is one unique 42-millimeter version with a sapphire lens and stainless steel bezel. Previously, there were differences in satellite chipset and internal storage
between the stainless steel and titanium versions of the original Epix Gen 2. However, with the Epix Pro, regardless of size or materials, all models come with a multi-band GNSS chipset and 32 gigabytes of storage. The only variance lies in the external materials used and, of course, the battery life across the different sizes.
Now, you might expect that with all these new features, the price would increase. However, the 47 and 42-millimeter Epix Pro models are priced the same as the original Epix Gen 2 when it was initially launched. The stainless steel 47 and 42-millimeter models are priced at $899, while the titanium Sapphire 47 or 42-millimeter models are priced at $999. The 51-millimeter Epix Pro is $100 more expensive.
Battery Performance On Different Scenarios:
Specifications:
Talking about battery life. The 47-millimeter Epix Pro offers the same battery life as the original Epix Gen 2: up to 16 days as a smartwatch without the always-on display and up to six days with the always-on display disabled. This estimation does not include recording outdoor activities.
In my own experience with the original Epix Gen 2, using the always-on display and recording approximately an hour-long activity each day, I consistently achieved about five days of battery life. The 42-millimeter Epix Pro provides up to 10 days of smartwatch functionality and up to four days with the always-on display.
Now, here comes the impressive part. The 51-millimeter Epix Pro houses the largest battery from the Enduro 2, resulting in a staggering claim of up to one month of smartwatch usage without the always-on display. With the always-on display enabled, it offers up to 11 days of battery life.
The Fenix 7x Solar and 7x Pro Solar have a touchscreen, a membrane pixel display, and a solar panel, making them thicker than the Epix Pro’s AMOLED touchscreen display. Therefore, Garmin had more space to accommodate the larger battery in the 51-millimeter Epix Pro.
Performance:
Putting battery specifications aside, let’s discuss real-world battery life. Throughout my testing, I continuously used the always-on display, kept the default display settings (two-thirds brightness with an eight-second timeout), utilized wrist gesture, and activated the SpO2 sensor during sleep. For outdoor workouts, I primarily used the Auto Select or Sat IQ satellite setting.
Remarkably, I consistently achieved 10 to 11 days of battery life with the 51-millimeter Epix Pro, even with regular workout sessions. This is a testament to the impressive capabilities of the display technology. Read More>>
Check out the latest price of Epix Pro here.
