Launched in 2022, the Garmin Fenix 7 is a sports watch that every triathlete should have on their wish list. With a range of features ranging from support for over 130 sports to advanced sleep stats, this watch is a true game changer. But with a price tag that starts at $699.99 for the base model and goes up to $1199.99 for the top-of-the-line Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar edition, it’s certainly not a cheap investment. In this review we take a deep dive into the world of the Garmin Fenix 7 to see if it’s worth the price. We look at the different editions, compare prices and highlight some of the most important features. Read on to discover whether the Garmin Fenix 7 is the ultimate sports watch for you.
About the Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 was launched in 2022 together with the Epix Gen 2 and is one of the best sports watches at the moment. The Fenix 7 is the successor to the Fenix 6. The watch is available in several editions, such as the Fenix 7 Solar and the Fenix 7 Saphhire Solar. The basic model has a suggested retail price of €699.99. The most expensive model, the Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar edition, quickly costs €1199.99 if you have to put down the suggested retail price. For this fairly high price you really get everything you need as a triathlete in a sports watch. You could almost say that you might get too many functions. In any case, there is nothing missing that can stop you during a quarter, half, whole or ultra triathlon distance!




Which editions are for sale
The Fenix 7 is available in three models. Three variations fall under these models. The main models are the Fenix 7, Fenix 7s and Fenix 7x. The S has the smallest watch screen (good watch for people with narrow wrists or people who want a smaller screen), the normal 7 is the most chosen variant. The 7x is the most expensive variant, but it does have the largest watch screen. These categories each include a standard edition, a solar version (charging with a solar panel in the screen) and sapphire solar (watch glass made of extremely strong sapphire glass, instead of gorilla glass).
Compare prices and Fenix 7 offer
Below you can see a price comparison of each of the three models. Under each model there are several types of watches (Standard, solar and sapphire solar) in one price comparison.
Fenix 7s (the smallest model)
Tip: You buy this watch if you prefer not to have a mega-large screen on your wrist or if you have rather narrow wrists. The watch screen has a 42mm watch case. The Fenix 7s (with the standard silicone sports band) fits well with people with a wrist circumference of 108-182 mm.
Fenix 7 (the normal edition)
Tip: The Fenix 7 has a watch case of 47mm. This is the most common size. It is slightly larger than an average sports watch, such as the – fantastic – Garmin Forerunner 745 has a housing of 43.8 mm.
Fenix 7x (the largest model)
Tip: This is the most expensive model in the series. This watch has a case of 51mm, which is quite large for a watch. You do get a better battery life and a larger screen in return. Very cool if you have the topographical maps on your screen. If you’re wearing the silicone strap, the Fenix 7x is suitable for people with a wrist circumference of 127-210 mm.
Watch in a video
Below you can see an introductory video of this watch made by Garmin itself.
Some functions of the Fenix 7 highlighted
The Garmin Fenix 7 really has a lot of functions, maybe even too many 😉. Do you want to see a complete overview of all specifications? Then you can do this here find immediately. Below we highlight a number of specifications that apply to triathletes or that we find very cool.
General
- Spotify, Deezer and Amazon music integration
- Garmin Pay contactless payment
- Various safety functions in case of accidents
- Built-in sports apps for almost all sports
- Golf cards
- MTB dynamics
- Surfing features
- Track HIIT workouts on the watch
- Climbpro
- Performance data
- Real-time stamina
- Recovery time advice
- Training status
- MultiGNSS
- Ski view maps
- Topographic maps
- Pulse Ox sensor
- body battery
Swimming
- Available swim profiles (pool or open water swim, swim/run)
- Open water swimming metrics (distance, pace, stroke count, stroke rate, calories)
- Pool swim metrics (lanes, distance, pace, stroke count, stroke rate, calories)
- Stroke type detection (freestyle, backstroke, front crawl, butterfly)
- Register workout
- Default rest timer (from 0)
- Repeat on on” rest timer
- Car rest
- Time and distance alerts
- Pace alerts (pool swim only)
- Start countdown
- Swimming workouts
- Critical swim speed
- Heart rate monitor on the wrist for underwater use
- Heart rate (real-time during rest, interval and session statistics during rest, and automatic download of heart rate data after swimming)

Misuse
- Available cycling profiles: outdoor and indoor cycling, mountain biking, triathlon
- Time/distance alert (alarm sounds when you reach a goal)
- Rates (compare results with previous activities)
- Garmin Cycle Map (navigable road maps for cyclists)
- MTB grit & flow
- Cycling lap and maximum power per lap (with power sensor)
- Race against an activity
- Advanced vector support
To run

- Available running profiles: running, track running, treadmill running, indoor track running, trail running, ultra running, virtual running
- Distance, duration and speed based on GPS
- Vertical oscillation and ratio
- Ground contact time and balance
- Stride length (real time)
- Cadence (real-time number of steps per minute)
- Performance condition
- Lactate Threshold
- Pacepro™ pace strategies
- Running sessions
- Race Forecast
Battery life:
Below you can see the specifications of the normal Garmin Fenix 7.
- smartwatch: Up to 18 days
- Watch mode with battery saver mode: Up to 57 days
- GPS only: Maximum 57 hours
- All satellite systems: Up to 40 hours
- All satellite systems and music: Until 10 o’clock
- max. battery in GPS mode: Up to 136 hours
- GPS in Expedition: Up to 40 days
The Garmin Fenix 7s has a slightly shorter battery life, that’s because the screen is a bit smaller and there’s less room for the battery. Fortunately, this is still more than enough for a triathlon or other endurance sport, so you don’t have to leave it for that.
- smartwatch: Up to 11 days
- Watch mode with battery saver mode: Up to 38 days
- GPS only: Maximum 37 hours
- All satellite systems: Up to 26 hours
- All satellite systems and music: Up to 7 am
- max. battery in GPS mode: Up to 90 hours
- GPS in Expedition: Up to 26 days
Conclusion: is the Garmin Fenix 7 a good triathlon watch?
Without a doubt, the Garmin Fenix 7 is an impressive piece of technology. It’s a feature-packed watch designed to support any triathlete, no matter the distance or conditions. With its reliable GPS, extensive sports profiles, advanced sleep statistics and much more, this watch is a real powerhouse. But it does come with a hefty price tag. While the Solar function is a nice extra, it may not be essential if you have regular access to a power outlet. In short, if you’ve got the money and are looking for a watch that can do it all, the Garmin Fenix 7 is definitely worth considering. But if your budget is limited, there are other options on the market that cost less and still offer many of the most important features.
.. what about the Garmin Fenix 6?
The Fenix 6 is also a top watch for triathletes and is now discounted after the release of the Fenix 7. Take advantage of it! Below you can see a few examples of the discounted model.
Benefits and highlights
- Best choice in the top class of 2022 on behalf of our editors
- 16GB internal memory to store music and podcasts
- Most complete triathlon watch that you can buy
- Multisport mode with mega strong battery mode in GPS mode
- Waterproof up to 100 meters, measures heart rate underwater
Disadvantages and negatives
- No touchscreen like the Garmin Epix Gen 2
- Expensive watch