## Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar vs. ONEPLUS Watch 2: An in-depth comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can feel like traveling through a minefield. You want them to fit your lifestyle, capture your activity and not require constant recharging. Today, we’re going to compare two contenders: the rugged Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar and the feature-rich ONEPLUS Watch 2. Let’s get started and see which one comes out on top.
Design and build quality
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro is a beast of a watch designed for outdoor activities. The titanium bezel and sapphire crystal are rugged. Big and bold, the watch is built to withstand the rigors of hiking, mountaineering and everyday use. The two-tone silicone strap is comfortable to wear and the overall look is luxurious and rugged. This is the watch that is ready for anything.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2, on the other hand, takes a more refined approach. The stainless steel case and sapphire-coated glass give it a stylish look. The AMOLED display is bright and clear, easy to read in any light. It feels like a traditional watch with a modern twist.
Battery life
Battery life is where these two watches really diverge: The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro boasts a very good battery life thanks to its solar charging capability. Garmin claims a battery life of over a month, which may not be feasible for heavy users, but can easily last several weeks on a single charge. The MIP display is also a big help, using diffused light to ensure clarity even in bright sunlight. This is a revolutionary feature for long cross-country hikes where there’s no easy way to recharge the battery.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 also has an impressive battery life of around 100 hours (4 days) in smart mode and up to 12 days in power saving mode. This is achieved thanks to a dual OS and a processor that efficiently manages power consumption. Despite the lack of a solar charging feature, the battery life is still impressive for a smartwatch with an AMOLED display. It’s a great choice for those looking for a balance between features and battery life.
Features and functionality
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro is packed with plenty of features for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. It features highly accurate location tracking with advanced multi-band GPS, comprehensive health and fitness tracking, built-in brightness-adjustable flashlight and SOS mode. It also features offline maps and music storage, making it ideal for exercising without your phone. Workouts are tracked in detail, with stats like V02 Max and heart rate. However, the watch isn’t ideal for weightlifting, as it mainly records time spent lifting and doesn’t accurately calculate calories burned for resistance training.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 also has a lot to offer. They have a more accurate dual-frequency GPS, a full suite of workout modes, and a well-organized companion app. With dual OS and processor, they are efficient and responsive. However, it does have some shortcomings. The notification system works with a noticeable lag and the haptic feedback is not too perfect. In addition, the rotating crown does not perform any function and is somewhat perplexing.
User Interface and Impressions
The user interface of the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro is a bit clunky. The menu system isn’t the most intuitive, and it can take a while to figure out all the functions. The touchscreen is also less responsive than other smartwatches and can be slow to respond. However, the ability to customize the watch face and use the buttons to navigate is a plus, especially when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 has a smoother and more user-friendly interface. The AMOLED display is bright and crisp, and the menus are easy to navigate. The companion app is well organized and easy to use. However, the delayed notifications and non-functional rotating crown are a bit annoying.
Pros and Cons of Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar
- Benefits:
- Excellent battery life with solar charging.
- Rugged and durable design with titanium bezel and sapphire crystal.
- Advanced multi-band GPS for highly accurate location tracking.
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking with detailed metrics and information.
- Built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness and SOS mode.
- Offline maps and music storage for phone-free activities.
- Cons:
- High price makes it out of reach for many users.
- The touchscreen can be slower and less responsive than other smartwatches.
- The user interface is clunky, with unintuitive menus and hidden options.
- Weightlifting tracking is basic and detailed counting of calories burned is not possible.
Pros and Cons of ONEPLUS Watch 2
- Benefits:
- High battery life - about 100 hours in smart mode.
- Dual OS and processor for efficient performance and battery saving.
- Premium design with stainless steel case and sapphire coated glass.
- Durable with IP68 dust and water resistance.
- Dual frequency GPS for greater accuracy.
- Competitively priced. Offers many features for its price.
- Cons:
- Notification lag when raising your wrist to view notifications.
- Tactile effects not too perfect or comfortable.
- Incompatibility with iPhone.
- Unstable step tracking.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro and ONEPLUS Watch 2 are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs. For outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want a rugged, durable watch with advanced tracking capabilities, the Garmin is the clear winner, while the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch with great battery life and a more affordable price. It’s a better option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and lifestyle.