Epix (2nd Gen) review Garmin’s top GPS sports watch
Epix (2nd Gen) review Garmin's top GPS sports watch
Garmin Epix: The Ultimate GPS Sports Watch with a Stunning Display
As a tech enthusiast and fitness enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect GPS sports watch that can keep up with my active lifestyle. While Apple and Samsung smartwatches have their merits, the one thing that has always bothered me is the need for daily charging. Who has time for that?
That’s why, for the past six to eight months, I’ve been experimenting with different options that offer long battery life without compromising on features. The three watches that have caught my attention are the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, COROS Vertix 2, and Polar Grit X Pro Titan. These watches provide excellent sports tracking, training programs, and advanced metrics, and can easily go a week or more without charging.
However, there has always been one trade-off – their lower resolution displays make it challenging to see in lower light situations. That’s when I stumbled upon the Garmin Epix and its announcement of a high-resolution AMOLED display similar to the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch models. Intrigued, I placed my order and had one in my hands within three days. Now, after using it for a couple of weeks, I can confidently say that the Garmin Epix is everything I wanted in a GPS sports watch.
A Brilliant Display that Rivals the Best
The Garmin Epix boasts a vibrant AMOLED display that rivals the quality of the top smartwatches in the market. It offers nearly all the features of the high-end Fenix series but with a display that truly sets it apart. With a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels and a 1.3-inch diameter, the Epix’s display vividly brings fonts, graphics, and animations to life. The colors are vibrant, and the deep blacks make everything pop. You can also adjust the brightness levels and choose an always-on display option.
What makes the Epix even better is that it retains the traditional Garmin five-button navigation system alongside the touchscreen. This means you can have the touchscreen turned off during activities or toggle it off with a quick control if you prefer the five-button navigation. With its AMOLED touch display and the familiar navigation system, the Epix offers the best of both worlds.
Built for Performance and Durability
The Epix is essentially a Garmin Fenix with a stunning AMOLED display. It shares many of the Fenix’s features, making it a high-performance GPS sports watch. The construction is top-notch, with a titanium rear cover and reinforced fiber material around the edges. Titanium material is also found around the front and back panel, ensuring durability without compromising on style.
The watch comes with a comfortable silicone quick-release 22mm band, making it easy to swap out bands to suit different occasions. However, I was slightly disappointed that for the price, Garmin did not include leather bands in the package, as they did with previous Fenix models. Nevertheless, the quick-release mechanism makes switching bands hassle-free.
The Epix supports multi-band frequency and multi-GNSS settings, ensuring improved location tracking during workouts worldwide. It comes preloaded with TopoActive maps and provides the option to download additional maps from around the world. Whether you’re into skiing, golfing, or other outdoor activities, the Epix has got you covered.
Impressive Specifications for an Unparalleled Experience
Let’s dive into the specifications that make the Garmin Epix a true powerhouse:
- Display: 1.3-inch, 416 x 416-pixel resolution, AMOLED sapphire crystal
- Materials: Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover, silicone quick-release 22mm watch band
- Storage: 32GB internal storage for up to 2000 songs
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Connectivity and sensors: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, optical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, Pulse Ox
- Battery: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, up to 42 hours with GPS, up to 32 hours with all satellite systems, and up to 10 hours in GPS mode with music playing
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 14.5mm and 70 grams (with silicone band)
With these specifications, the Epix offers exceptional performance, allowing you to track your activities for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery.
User-Friendly Software for a Seamless Experience
The software on the Epix is similar to what we’ve seen on recent Garmin watches, providing a user-friendly and intuitive interface. The watch face appears automatically when you lift your wrist, and you can scroll through glances to access different information. The start button opens up your favorite activities list, and you can customize workout settings after selecting the activity. The Garmin Epix supports up to seven hot keys, allowing you to quickly access various functions such as music controls, Garmin Pay, and more.
The Garmin Connect app offers a powerful and capable experience, allowing you to track trends, challenge friends, and analyze data to improve performance. With the app’s customizable dashboard, you can easily view and access the information that matters most to you. The smartphone software experience is closely mirrored on the Garmin Connect website, providing a seamless experience across devices.
Epix or Fenix 7: Which One to Choose?
The question many potential customers will ask, and one that I explored myself, is whether to buy the Garmin Epix or a Fenix 7 model. The key differentiator between the two is the display. If you’re satisfied with the display on your existing Garmin Fenix or Forerunner and don’t crave the brilliant screens of smartwatches like the Apple Watch, the Fenix 7 might be the better option. It’s also priced $100 lower than the Garmin Epix.
That being said, the Epix offers a display that truly stands out, comparable to the best smartwatches on the market. Its battery life is excellent, although the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar model offers a few extra days in smartwatch mode. If you’re an ultrarunner or someone who needs the longest battery life, the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar might be the better choice. Additionally, the size of the watch should also be considered, with the Epix at 47mm and the Fenix 7X at 51mm.
Conclusion: The Epix, a Premium Choice for Garmin Fans
In conclusion, the Garmin Epix is a high-end GPS sports watch designed for those who value a stunning display and top-notch performance. While it comes at a considerable price, the Epix justifies its cost with its exceptional features and unparalleled AMOLED display. With its extensive selection of sports and activities, accurate GPS tracking, and reliable heart rate monitoring, the Epix covers all the bases for fitness enthusiasts.
As a user, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. While I also have the privilege of testing the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, it’s the Epix that I find myself reaching for time and time again. Its vibrant display adds a new level of enjoyment to my workouts, making every activity more engaging. Whether you’re an athlete focused on a few core sports or someone who wants the best that Garmin has to offer, the Epix is undoubtedly a top choice.
