As an avid outdoorsman and self-proclaimed smartwatch geek, I’ve tested my share of GPS-enabled sport watches over the years. Garmin has earned a reputation amongst the adventurer crowd for their rugged durability and advanced tracking.
The Fenix and Enduro lines represent the pinnacle of their wearable tech achievements. With onboard maps, extended battery in expedition mode, and solar charging capabilities, these devices keep me connected off-grid while camping for days.
I took an in-depth look at the recently launched Fenix 7 and Enduro 2 to see how they stack up for everything from hourly step counts to navigating 100-mile ultramarathons. Here’s my take as an experienced data analyst and review junkie.
A Brief History of Garmin’s Premium Outdoor Smartwatches
Garmin launched their first smartwatch back in 2003. However, the Fenix series aimed at hikers, runners, and extreme athletes debuted relatively recently in 2012 with the original Fenix.
Early reviews praised its robustness and battery life but took issue with the watch’s large size. Subsequent generations like the Fenix 3 refined the design and increasingly focused on sports activity tracking.
The Fenix 5 arrived in 2017 with support for both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems plus new training tools. The Fenix 6 further improved resolution and battery metrics two years later. Garmin continues iterating with the 2022 Fenix 7 models gaining touchscreen displays and solar charging.
Meanwhile, the Enduro lineup emerged in 2021 targeting ultra athletes needing max longevity. The inaugural Enduro claimed an astonishing 65 days of battery in certain modes. The second generation Enduro 2 watches announced in 2022 push that even further with added tech like multi-band GPS.
Clearly Garmin obsesses over extracting every last ounce of power for explorers who consider hundred mile runs or weeklong climbs as “just another Tuesday." next, let‘s see how these lines compare today.
Beauty Meets Brawn in Two Premium Packages
I value a watch that looks as brilliant on an afternoon run as it does to dinner afterwards. Garmin nails that versatile aesthetic while packing durability into the Enduro 2 and Fenix 7 models.
The 1.4” Enduro 2 dwarfs the Fenix 7 a bit measuring 51mm with its bezel compared to 47mm on the standard Fenix 7. However, larger wrists can opt for the Fenix 7X at 51mm for almost the exact same dimensions.
I far prefer the vivid Chroma display and Sapphire crystal lens on both devices over Apple or Samsung’s smartwatch offerings. They deliver crisp 260 x 260 pixel resolution for easy glanceability mid-hike.
The Fenix 7 wins points for its more subtle styling in premium metals like titanium and stainless steel over the bulky black plastic Enduro 2 case. Don‘t get me wrong – the Enduro 2 has a certain bold character with its neon green accents. But the Fenix 7 reigns with a classier kick suitable from the woods to the bar afterwards.
| Specification | Fenix 7 | Enduro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer + stainless steel or titanium bezel | Reinforced polymer + stainless steel |
| Bezel Width | 47mm (42, 47, and 51mm sizes) | 51mm |
| Depth | 14.5mm | 15.6mm |
| Display Size | 1.3” diameter | 1.4” diameter |
| Display Resolution | 260 x 260 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
| Display Type | Chroma Memory-In-Pixel | Chroma Memory-In-Pixel |
| Lens Material | Chemically strengthened Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Watch Band Material | Silicone or leather | Silicone |
| Weight | 89g (titanium) | 70g |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Both provide plenty of durable protection from life’s unexpected spills. I especially appreciate the Sapphire crystal lens which resists scratches far better than the standard glass.
Between the nicely refined Fenix 7 multi-size options or the bold monolithic Enduro 2, Garmin proves world-class outdoor smartwatch style comes in different flavors.
Matched Under the Hood but the Enduro 2 Edges Ahead
I nerd out on getting my hands on the latest wearable device technical specifications. Yet frustratingly, Garmin keeps a tight lid on details regarding processors, chipsets, memory and more.
We know both the Enduro 2 and Fenix 7 contain 32GB of onboard storage to load maps, music and workouts. They also boast identical sensors like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo plus heart rate, compass, thermometer and blood oxygen monitors.
My testing reveals no discernable difference in position accuracy between the watches. Both pinpoint me precisely using multiple global satellite networks. However, the Enduro 2 carries two potential advantages.
First, it uses multi-band frequency support accessing multiple signals from each system. Think of it like having a bigger antenna to collect better directions. While not revolutionary alone, coupled with its power management smarts covered next, it really optimizes juice.
Second, the Enduro 2 features Garmin’s clever SatIQ technology which chooses the best satellite combo and toggles their power intelligently. That dynamic tuning accounts for challenging terrain like forests and urban canyons to lock signal efficiently.
So when it comes down to hardware, the Enduro 2 and Fenix 7 likely share common components. Yet improved wireless connectivity and power intelligence give the Enduro 2 an edge for hardcore environments.
The Enduro 2 Lasts Over Twice as Long on Satellite Tracking
If battery life tops your smartwatch priorities, nothing comes close to the Enduro 2 currently. It more than doubles the Fenix 7 lifespan across both daily use and outdoor excursions requiring satellite connectivity.
My testing focused primarily on maxing out GPS and GLONASS tracking over several multi-day hikes. While the Fenix 7 Solar kept pace for 2-3 days, the Enduro 2 just kept on kicking thanks to its excellent power management.
| Usage Profile | Fenix 7 Solar | Enduro 2 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode (Daily Use) | 28 days (solar extends to 37 days) | 34 days (solar extends to 46 days) |
| GPS Satellite Tracking | 89 hours max | 150 hours max |
| GPS Expedition Mode | 139 day max battery | 172 day max |
Don’t just take my word for it. DC Rainmaker compared the battery metrics across 8 modes and the Enduro 2 lasted almost 2x longer consistently.
So while the Fenix 7 should safely last a weekend for most outdoorsmen, extreme athletes will benefit from the Enduro 2’s uncompromising longevity.
Monitoring Your Health and Training Has Never Been Smarter
I initially adopted GPS watches for wilderness navigation. But I’ve come to depend just as much on their insightful health and workout feedback. Both the Enduro 2 and Fenix 7 represent over a decade of Garmin perfecting these metrics.
They track everything I could want from daily steps, floors climbed and calories to my overnight oxygen levels and sleep quality scores. I especially appreciate the focus on training load and recovery – whether that’s advising to take a break after a tough interval session or calculating my fitness age.
Garmin migrated most of the advanced training tools from its high end triathlon watches like the Forerunner 955. They provide incredibly useful insights personalized to my performance instead of generic recommendations.
For example, a recent update added real-time stamina monitoring based on my pace and heart rate when running. It predicts how far I can keep pushing before needing a breather.
The only feature notably absent on the Fenix 7 but included on the Enduro 2 currently is NextFork. It uses machine learning to estimate calorie intake based on wrist motion during meals. An odd capability for Garmin’s most rugged watch unless you’re craving cheat days mid-expedition!
All said, both models provide outstanding holistic health visibility. Unless you obsess over forkful counts, the Fenix 7 and Enduro 2 deliver similarly smart metrics.
Cost of Ownership Over 24 Months
The Enduro 2 retails at $1,100 versus $900 for the large Fenix 7X Solar edition. That represents nearly a 20% premium for the flagship model. However costs equalize when you account for accessories.
Here’s a realistic breakdown assuming a typical two year lifespan before lusting after the latest tech again:
| Expense | Fenix 7X Solar | Enduro 2 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost of Watch | $900 | $1,100 |
| Accessory Kit – Bands + Protective Case | $140 | $115 |
| Two Years of Map Subscription | $30 | $30 |
| Total Cost (Excl. taxes) | $1,070 | $1,245 |
Given its bigger upfront price, I expected the Enduro 2 to cost considerably more. But surprisingly the gap is only around $175 once you factor gear and services.
As an aside, insure your investment for loss, theft or damage! I pay $125 annually to cover both models at full replacement value. Well worth the peace of mind for watches that go everywhere I do.
When priced across their useful lifespan, the Enduro 2 still commands a 15% premium over the Fenix 7X. However its advantages in battery efficiency and data connectivity offset that markup.
My Take: Two Impressive Choices But One Clear Winner
After evaluating all the metrics and testing both models extensively, the Enduro 2 claims victory in my book. Yes, it costs more upfront. But for extreme athletes and professional explorers, its reliable longevity and insights justify the added dollars.
However, the Fenix 7 still one-ups its impressive predecessor. It conveniently tracks all the same fitness metrics at a more digestible price point for us everyday adventure seekers.
Frankly, you can’t go wrong either way! Garmin makes the best outdoor smartwatches period. And they crammed all their latest innovations into both the Fenix 7 and Enduro 2 lines cementing their leadership position.
In the end, choose based on your exploration objectives. Multi-week expeditions? Get the Enduro 2. Weekend trips covered just fine? Grab a Fenix 7. Personally, I love rocking both in my collection swap in situations. Models like the Garmin Descent even track my underwater adventures!
Hope this detailed comparison helps you gauge which matches your activity level and budget. I welcome any questions in the comments. And tell me about your wildest adventures so I can keep testing the limits of these watches even further!
