Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar vs. Apple Watch Series 8: A Detailed Comparison

Top Compras Updated: December 31, 2024

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

8.5/10
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
$579.99
Extremely long battery life with solar charging
Built-in flashlight with multiple modes
Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking
vs

Apple Watch Series 8

7.5/10
Apple Watch Series 8
$399.99
Fast charging
Always-on display
Advanced fitness tracking

Quick Overview

A detailed comparison between the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and the Apple Watch Series 8, covering design, features, user experience, pros, and cons.
## Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar vs Apple Watch Series 8: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar and Apple Watch Series 8 can be tricky due to different needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is built for durability and outdoor adventure. The titanium bezel and sapphire crystal are premium and virtually unbreakable. Measuring 51mm, the watch may seem bulky, especially for people with smaller wrists. The buttons are tactilely pleasing, and the addition of the touchscreen is a welcome upgrade. The screen is clear even in bright sunlight, which is a big plus for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, looks sleek and modern, with an aluminum case and a sleek, always-on display. They are more compact and comfortable for everyday use, but the aluminum screen scratches easily and requires a screen protector or careful handling. The digital crown is a nice touch, but can sometimes malfunction and cause unintentional volume changes.

Features and Functionality

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is packed with plenty of features for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. In particular, solar charging allows for longer charging intervals and a very long battery life; a built-in flashlight with multiple modes, including SOS, greatly enhances safety and convenience. Multi-band GPS provides highly accurate tracking in a variety of conditions, and the extensive mapping function with pre-loaded topo maps is invaluable for hikers and travelers. The touchscreen interface improves map navigation and overall usability, and real-time settings synchronization simplifies setup in the Garmin Connect app. However, some features, such as endurance tracking, may not be useful for all users.

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a range of health and fitness features with a focus on seamless integration with iPhone. The watch features fast charging for everyday use and an always-on display for easy access to information. Advanced fitness tracking includes customizable workout and heart rate zones, and comprehensive health monitoring features include heart rate, blood oxygen and temperature measurement. Seamless integration with iPhone, including notifications, calls and Apple Pay, is a major advantage. However, battery life is short - about one day with normal use - and daily recharging is required.

User Experience

From a user’s perspective, the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a tool that makes active life easier and more enjoyable. Detailed maps on your wrist are indispensable: detailed topographical data on your wrist. Flashlights are surprisingly useful for finding your home at night and staying safe during early morning runs. However, the touch screen can be a bit awkward, especially if your hands are wet or wearing gloves. Setting up specific data fields for a new activity is a bit of a hassle.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has become a staple for receiving notifications, controlling music, and quickly checking the time. Integration with Apple Fitness+ is a great way to get a trainer-led workout. Very useful for trainer-led workouts, and the ability to respond to text messages without pulling out your phone is a great convenience. The temperature sensor is useful for recording cycles, but not actual values. The screen is scratchy and the battery life is decent, but not revolutionary. It would be nice if the battery lasted a few days like other smartwatches.

Pros and Cons

Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Pros:

  • Very long battery life, especially with solar charging.
  • Built-in flashlight with multiple modes including SOS.
  • Multi-band GPS provides highly accurate tracking.
  • Comprehensive mapping capabilities with preloaded topo maps.
  • Touchscreen interface enhances map navigation and overall ease of use.

Disadvantages of the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar:

  • High price, making it a significant investment.
  • The solar charging ring around the bezel can be visually intrusive for some users.
  • The multi-band GPS, while accurate, can significantly reduce battery life.
  • Touchscreens can be accidentally activated underwater or while playing sports.
  • The large size (51mm) may seem bulky to some users.

Benefits of Apple Watch Series 8:

  • Fast charging provides quick power up.
  • Always-on display provides easy access to information.
  • Advanced fitness tracking Customizable workouts.
  • Comprehensive health monitoring including heart rate, blood oxygen levels and temperature.
  • Seamless integration with iPhone for notifications, calls and Apple Pay.

Disadvantages of Apple Watch Series 8:

  • Battery life is about one day with normal use.
  • Aluminum screen scratches easily and requires the use of a screen protector.
  • Fewer new features compared to Series 7.
  • Digital crown can malfunction, causing unintentional volume changes.

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a great high-tech product, but it’s not for everyone. For the average user who only needs a basic step tracker, it’s probably overkill. However, for athletes who need detailed training data, people who love outdoor activities and want a watch that can handle any situation, this is a great choice. The battery life is good, the GPS is accurate, and the flashlight is a surprisingly useful feature. This watch doesn’t come cheap, but if you value these features and are willing to shell out the money, you won’t be disappointed.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for Apple users who want a good fitness tracker with solid health features. The temperature sensor is an added benefit, and the collision detection feature will keep you from worrying about your health. However, if you have a Series 7, it might not be worth upgrading your device unless you need a new sensor. But if, like me, you’re upgrading from an older watch, you’ll notice the obvious improvements. It’s a useful tool that has become part of my daily life, and I don’t intend to go back to a regular watch anytime soon.

Specification

FeatureGarmin fenix 7X Sapphire SolarApple Watch Series 8

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

Pros

  • Extremely long battery life, especially with solar charging.
  • Built-in flashlight with multiple modes, including SOS.
  • Multi-band GPS provides highly accurate tracking.
  • Comprehensive mapping features with preloaded topo maps.
  • Touchscreen interface enhances map navigation and general usability.

Cons

  • High price point, making it a significant investment.
  • The solar charging ring around the bezel can be visually distracting for some users.
  • Multi-band GPS, while accurate, can significantly reduce battery life.
  • Touchscreen can be accidentally activated in water or during activities.
  • The large 51mm size may be too bulky for some users.

Apple Watch Series 8

Pros

  • Fast charging allows for quick power-ups.
  • Always-on display provides easy access to information.
  • Advanced fitness tracking with customizable workouts.
  • Comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing.
  • Seamless integration with iPhone for notifications, calls, and Apple Pay.

Cons

  • Battery life is limited to about a day with normal use, requiring daily charging.
  • The aluminum screen scratches easily, requiring a screen protector.
  • The device is an iterative update, with few new features compared to the Series 7.
  • Digital crown can misfire, causing unintended volume changes.

Quick Verdict

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

Read Full Review

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a great high-tech product, but it's not for everyone. It's ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who need detailed training data and a watch that can handle any situation.

9/10
Features
9.2/10
Performance
7/10
Value
9/10
Quality
8.5/10
Overall

Apple Watch Series 8

Read Full Review

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for Apple users who want a good fitness tracker with solid health features. It's a useful tool that has become part of daily life for many users.

8/10
Features
8.5/10
Performance
7/10
Value
7/10
Quality
7.5/10
Overall

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

$579.99
8.5/10

Apple Watch Series 8

$399.99
7.5/10