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If you were looking for a Garmin watch with complete mapping capabilities in the good old days of 2015, the Garmin Epix was the model you would have purchased. The device featured a square screen and appeared a little strange, but it performed incredibly well.
What place does this leave for the Garmin Epix given that the complete line of Garmin Fenix 7 products now includes superb mapping support? So, it has moved to a new location. The Garmin Fenix 7 is essentially transformed into an OLED screen-equipped version of the second-generation Epix, also known as the Epix 2.
Because of this, it is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a high-end runner’s watch that does not come with a boring Display screen. It boasts a brighter display than the Fenix 7, in addition to having all of the functions of the Fenix 7 that are related to deep tracking.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay for this with the battery life of the new Epix, as it will only last approximately one week before needing to be charged again. By the standards of smartwatches, that is impressive, but it cannot compare to the Fenix 7.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Design and display
Epix 2 has a design that really stands out. The model we tested has a stainless steel body on top of a fiber-reinforced polymer, and each of the lugs has a screw. For the price, we wish it came with a stronger strap than silicone, but that was the best material for when we took the watch running. Still, you can replace the band with a leather, fabric, or metal one, just like some of the other best Garmin watches.
The Epix 2, like most other Garmin watches, has five buttons, two on the right and three on the left. These buttons are used to move through the watch’s menus, which are pretty complicated. If you’re running or wearing gloves, you need to be able to use buttons instead of a touchscreen. But when Garmin gave the Epix an AMOLED display, it also gave it a touchscreen, so you can now choose how you want to use the watch. We liked this “belt and suspenders” way of doing things.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Controls
Every Garmin watch follows the same 5-button format. The epix (Gen 2) can be controlled by touch inputs, just as the brand new Garmin Fenix 7X. The Venu 2 is also a natural choice. It’s flexible, comfy, and easy to adjust, just like the silicone strap that comes with the Fenix 7. The AMOLED display provides stunning visuals.
This device boasts a super-bright 1.3-inch screen with a resolution of 416 by 416 pixels. The display on the Venu 2 was fantastic, and we have no doubt that the Epix has a very similar one. It’s legible and aesthetically pleasing even in broad daylight. You can buy this smartwatch from its official website.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Health and wellness
If you wear it all the time, the green LEDs in the back, which are an optical heart rate sensor, add everything up and tell you your training status. It also breaks down your load focus, estimates your VO2 max and/or FTP, projects times for the standard running distances, and tells you how many hours you need to recover if you use it for running.
Tracking sleep is very helpful, but we have found that tracking changes in heart rate is even more useful. We kept riding my bike and running as usual over Christmas and New Year’s, but we drank a bit more and went to bed later. Soon, my HRV started going down, my training status changed to “strained,” and my sleep reports started making me feel like we were back in school.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Tracking
You can follow your heart rate all day with the new Elevate V4’s optical heart rate sensor, along with your breathing and stress levels, your sleep quality (complete with a score and insights), your energy levels (via the Body-Battery), and more. Among the most precise estimations of all wearables comes from Firstbeat Analytics’ algorithm, which is used in most of the more sophisticated features.
If you want precise readings of your Body Battery and stress levels from the Epix Gen 2, you need wear it constantly throughout the day. If you wear the watch constantly, it will be able to estimate your recovery more accurately. Even when worn properly (neatly, flush against the skin), I find the watch too cumbersome to be worn constantly, however others may disagree.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Features
Almost every feature you’d want in a high-end fitness-focused wristwatch is included, but there is one notable omission compared to Apple Watch and other smartwatches. However, the lifestyle functions on this watch are secondary to the fitness aspects, so it may not appeal to shoppers seeking a dedicated lifestyle timepiece.
Unlike competing high-end smartwatches, the watch doesn’t allow you to do things like respond to notifications or answer calls. Still, the Garmin Epix Gen 2 is a premium fitness smartwatch on par with any other. The AMOLED touch display is a great bonus, but you already have everything the Fenix series offers.
Battery life and charging
The change in display technology has reduced the battery life, but most people will find that plugging it in once every seven days isn’t too much of a hassle. If you don’t mind the screen going on only when you use the watch or flip your wrist towards your face, you can get significantly more use out of the battery.
But, the monetary investment prompts the inquiry, “At what cost?” The “entry level” Epix from Garmin is more expensive than the regular Fenix 7 by $200 or £200. You pay an extra $100/£100 for Sapphire glass, double the storage, and a lighter titanium-plated body, which is a fair trade-off, but you don’t get the solar-charging option included in the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review: Conclusion
The Garmin Epix 2 is worth the name it has been given. This is a great smartwatch that puts fitness first. It has an amazing battery life and a beautiful screen. Even though it doesn’t have as many smartwatch-like features as the Apple Watch 7 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, it’s much better at tracking your activities and the battery lasts for weeks instead of hours. But the Epix starts at $900, which is almost twice as much as the base models of those watches. And it’s much bigger than either of those.
If you’ve decided to go with Garmin, you’ll have to choose between the Garmin Epix and the Fenix 7. The main difference between the two is the battery life, as both watches have almost the same features and functions.
In Expedition mode, the Fenix can last up to 40 days (74 days with solar), but the Epix will die after just 14 days. That’s mostly because the Epix has an AMOLED display with 416 x 416 pixels while the Fenix has a transflective screen with 260 x 260 pixels.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 Ratings