#10: One Year with the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar Watch: Worth It?

Breaking down the features that make this almost-$1K watch my favorite wearable so far.

As a fitness tech and exercise science nerd, I have tried many wearables over the years—the sleek Oura Ring, the versatile Apple Watch, the reliable Fitbit, and the performance-focused Whoop. Each had its moment, but there was always something missing for me with each of these wearables. So, about a year a go, I dropped almost a grand on the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire. Let’s talk about whether this watch lives up to the hype and its hefty price tag.

Table of Contents:

• My Journey with Wearables

• Reviewing the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire

• Comparing the Competition

• My Final Verdict

My Journey with Wearables

My adventure into the world of wearables actually began with a totally non-fitness related reason: I needed a silent, vibration-based alarm to replace the blaring iPhone alarm that woke up not only my roommate slash ex-boyfriend but probably my neighbors too (I can’t be the only one who’s lived in an apartment where I could hear everything in neighboring units). Also, I have always been active and was curious about how many steps I took and the calories I burned throughout the day.

Enter, the Fitbit —a straightforward, user-friendly device that introduced me to the basics of activity monitoring and silent alarms. It was exciting to see tangible data that reflected my movements.

But as my fitness journey progressed, merely tracking activity wasn't enough. I started to realize that recovery played a crucial role in achieving my health goals. How well was I sleeping? Was my body ready for that intense HIIT workout, or did I need more rest? Understanding these aspects became essential in informing my training decisions.

This curiosity led me to explore the Whoop strap. I was an earlier user of Whoop and discovered the company through my fitness community. I loved the focus on recovery and strain, offering continuous heart rate monitoring and personalized recommendations based on my body's readiness. I also loved being able to charge my device without removing it. The continuous monitoring and detailed analytics were impressive, but the lack of a display, reliance on my phone for real-time data during workout, and the subscription model did not feel sustainable.

Next came my Apple Watch 6, which offered versatility, integration, and a plethora of apps but fell short on battery life and in-depth recovery metrics. I wanted a wearable that seamlessly combined activity tracking with recovery insights—without the hassle of daily charging or subscription fees.

The Oura Ring, disguised as a piece of jewelry, provided advanced sleep analytics and readiness scores was a wearable I used with my Apple Watch for better recovery metrics. While it gave me insights into my sleep stages and helped me understand the importance of rest in muscle recovery, I discovered that the Oura Ring isn't the best companion in the gym. Gripping dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells with a ring on was uncomfortable. On several occasions, I had to remove the ring before lifting, which meant missing out on tracking my heart rate and activity levels during those workouts. This limitation highlighted a significant gap in the Oura Ring's functionality—I love the look, but it simply isn't designed to accommodate the demands of strength training enthusiasts.

Documentation on my September 2023 splurge.

After hearing promising things about Garmin, I decided to take the plunge with one of their top-tier watches: the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire. With its promise of extensive health metrics, exceptional battery life, and rugged design, I hoped it would be the all-in-one solution I'd been searching for.

Reviewing the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire

I recall unboxing the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire and immediately noticing its rugged elegance with its sapphire crystal display and titanium casing—both stylish and built to withstand the elements. But beyond its sleek exterior, it's the user experience and performance over the past year that have truly set this watch apart for me.

User Experience

Wearing the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire feels like having a smart watch, GPS, and health coach all rolled into one compact device. The watch fits comfortably on my wrist, not too bulky despite its robust build. Navigating through its features was initially a bit overwhelming—there's a depth to this device that dwarfs the simplicity of the Fitbit or even the Apple Watch. However, after spending some time customizing the interface and widgets to my preferences, it became an intuitive extension of my daily routine.

One of the standout aspects is the clarity and visibility of the display. Whether I'm out in bright sunlight or in a dimly lit room, the screen adjusts beautifully, making it easy to read stats at a glance. The physical buttons, in addition to the touchscreen, have been a surprisingly pleasant feature. The buttons specifically offer reliable control during workouts when sweaty fingers might not register on a touchscreen—a small detail that enhances the overall usability.

Key Features

The fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire is packed with features that cater to both casual users and serious athletes. Here's what has made the biggest impact on my fitness journey:

• Advanced Activity Tracking: From running and cycling to yoga and strength training, the watch offers detailed metrics for a vast array of activities. One small frustration I have is the lack of workout auto-detection, which the Apple Watch has.

• Heart Rate and Pulse Ox Sensors: The continuous heart rate monitoring is impressively accurate, and the Pulse Ox sensor provides insights into my blood oxygen saturation—a useful metric when at higher altitudes or monitoring overall wellness.

• Sleep and Recovery Analytics: Building on my interest in recovery, the fēnix 7S delivers in-depth sleep analysis, including sleep stages and movement. The Body Battery energy monitoring and pretty accurate Recovery score has been a game-changer, helping me understand when to push hard and when to rest.

• GPS and Navigation: The multi-GNSS support and topo maps have been invaluable during hikes and outdoor runs. Because I am a city girl, I don’t use this feature as much as others might but the accuracy seems unparalleled compared to previous devices I've used.

• Battery Life with Solar Charging: Perhaps one of the most impressive features is the battery life. My Apple Watch 6 used to die on me in the middle of my second training session of the day. But with my Garmin, I can go up to two weeks without needing to charge, thanks to the solar charging capabilities. This is a stark contrast to the daily charging required by the Apple Watch 6 and the frequent charging of the Oura Ring.

• Smart Features: While fitness is the focus, the smartwatch capabilities aren't neglected. Notifications, music storage, alarms and timers, Garmin Pay—these conveniences make it easy to stay connected without being glued to my phone.

Performance Over One Year

After a full year of daily use, the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire has proven to be a reliable and resilient companion. Despite being somewhat careless with my watch when throwing weights around, the sapphire crystal has resisted scratches despite my active lifestyle. The watch's performance hasn't diminished after a year (ahem, @ Apple), and software updates have been regular and seamless, often introducing new features or improving existing ones.

The battery life remains impressive. Even with heavy use constant activity and recovery tracking, I rarely find myself worried about my watch dying. The solar charging feature isn't just a gimmick—it genuinely extends the battery life, especially during outdoor activities.

In terms of data accuracy, I've been consistently impressed. The heart rate readings align closely with what I expect for different exertion levels. The recovery metrics have helped me avoid overtraining, and I've noticed tangible improvements in my fitness levels by paying attention to the watch's insights. The Garmin Connect app has been a valuable tool for diving deeper into my stats. The interface is comprehensive without being overwhelming, offering trends and analyses that have helped me make informed decisions about my health and fitness routines.

In comparison to other wearables I've tried, the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire stands head and shoulders above in terms of durability, battery life, and the richness of data provided. And after hearing from other Garmin users how their devices have last them almost a decade, this premium watch feels like a solid investment in my health that will continue to pay dividends over few years.

Comparing The Competition

When faced with the $900 price tag of the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire, it's natural to wonder if it's truly worth the investment. Having spent a year with this watch, I can confidently say that it offers exceptional value for money, especially when compared to the other wearables I've tried.

Starting with the Fitbit Charge 6, which is priced around $160, it is a budget-friendly and user-friendly wearable that offers basic activity tracking. However, it lacks the advanced metrics, robust build quality, and extensive battery life of the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire. For those who require detailed performance analytics and a device that can withstand intense outdoor activities, the Garmin justifies its higher price point.

The latest Apple Watch Series 9, which starts at around $399 for the base GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular version, it's a more affordable option upfront. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, designed for more extreme activities and offering enhanced durability, comes in at approximately $799—closer in price to the Garmin. While Apple Watches excel in smart features, app integration, and have a polished user experience, they require daily charging and don't offer the same depth in fitness tracking or rugged durability. In contrast, the Garmin provides up to two weeks of battery life with solar charging and offers comprehensive health and fitness data, making it a more reliable companion for serious training without the constant need to recharge.

The Oura Ring (Generation 3) ranges from $299 to $549, depending on the finish and material you choose. Additionally, there's a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 to access advanced features. While the Oura Ring offers impressive sleep and recovery insights, its frequent charging—every four to five days—and impracticality for weightlifting sessions diminish its overall value for active users. Over time, the subscription costs add up, potentially bringing the total cost closer to that of the Garmin.

The Whoop Strap 4.0 operates on a subscription model, where the device itself is free, but you pay a mandatory membership fee starting at $30 per month, amounting to $360 per year. While it provides detailed recovery and strain analytics, the ongoing subscription can become costly over time. Moreover, the lack of a display means you're reliant on your smartphone for real-time data, which isn't always convenient during workouts. In comparison, the Garmin involves a one-time investment with no recurring fees and offers on-wrist access to all your data.

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire has a higher upfront cost, it combines the strengths of these devices while mitigating their weaknesses:

• Comprehensive Health Metrics: Like the Whoop and Oura Ring, but without recurring subscription fees.

• Robust Activity Tracking: Surpassing Fitbit and Apple Watch with advanced features suitable for a wide range of sports and activities.

• Exceptional Battery Life: Eliminating the daily charging hassle common with the Apple Watch and reducing the frequency compared to the Oura Ring.

• Durability and Design: A rugged build that withstands intense activities, unlike the more delicate Oura Ring and standard Apple Watch models.

When considering the total cost of ownership—including subscriptions, potential upgrades, and the longevity of the device—the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire offers excellent value. It's an investment, especially for those who are serious about their training and need a reliable, all-encompassing wearable.

My Final Verdict

After a year with the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire, I can confidently say that I might be sticking with this one for awhile. Its comprehensive tracking capabilities, exceptional durability, and impressive battery life have not only met but exceeded my expectations. The watch seamlessly combines the functionalities of multiple devices into one robust package, making the initial investment well worth it for anyone serious about their training and overall wellness.

However, no device is without its room for improvement. Looking ahead, there are a few features I hope Garmin will consider incorporating into future models to enhance the user experience even further. For instance, while the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire excels in fitness tracking, its smartwatch features are somewhat limited compared to devices like the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Integration with third-party apps is more restricted on the Garmin platform. The Apple Watch offers a vast ecosystem of apps that can extend functionality in areas like productivity, smart home control, and entertainment, which the Garmin currently doesn't match.

Additionally, the absence of a built-in cellular connectivity option means you're still tethered to your smartphone for certain features. Devices like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 offer cellular models that allow for calls, messages, and data usage independent of a phone—a convenience that can be particularly useful during runs or workouts when you might prefer to leave your phone behind.

Another feature I would like to see is the inclusion of advanced health monitoring tools like an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and blood pressure monitoring, which some wearables now offer. The Apple Watch Series 9, for instance, includes ECG functionality that can detect irregular heart rhythms, providing potentially life-saving insights. Incorporating such health-focused features would elevate the Garmin fēnix series to an even higher standard.

Voice assistant support is another area where Garmin lags behind. The convenience of interacting with Siri on the Apple Watch or Alexa on certain Fitbit models adds a layer of hands-free usability that's currently missing from the fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire.

In conclusion, the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire is an outstanding wearable that has significantly enriched my fitness and wellness endeavors. Its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, and it stands as a testament to what a premium fitness watch can offer. With a few enhancements inspired by features from other leading wearables, future iterations could provide an even more comprehensive and user-friendly experience. For now, if you're seeking a durable, reliable, and in-depth fitness companion, this and other Garmin watches remains top-tier choices that I highly recommend.

Get strong, stay humble. ✨

Carina