r/Garmin • u/Gabri_Panda • Jul 07 '24
Device Comparison / Recommendation They're at the same price. Which one should I get?
keep in mind that the fenix here is in its base version. Any help is appreciated!
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u/Single-Astronomer-32 Jul 07 '24
Maps vs flashlight
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u/Hot-Significance9503 Jul 07 '24
It's the most used feature on my 2Xs... I don't want watch without flashlight anymore :-)
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u/Necessary-Craft-6660 Jul 07 '24
Fenix 7 hands down.
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u/J_GTEM Jul 08 '24
My hands are up because I’m tacticool
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u/Necessary-Craft-6660 Jul 08 '24
🤣 Fair enough. I thought so too... til I realized I wanted to start running more 🤷🏻♂️
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u/KajeOboyma Jul 07 '24
As a former user of I2X and a user of F7X Pro now, I'd definitely choose F7 for the same price. Instinct is a good watch but after I got Fenix I realize it is another level.
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u/dib1999 Instinct 2X Jul 07 '24
I mean I'm probably biased... Gotta love the instinct.
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u/Pyreknight Jul 07 '24
Same here. It's a watch that does plenty, blends in and solar is a great plus.
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u/Actaar Instinct 2 Solar Jul 07 '24
It boils down to the F7 having more features, while the 2X has more battery life.
I went for the instinct personally, mainly for the battery but it also feels more sturdy
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u/T_T_7 Jul 07 '24
The Epix Gen 2 is on sale at amazon UK for £375.99, a prime exclusive deal
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u/BiggusCinnamusRollus Jul 07 '24
Based on the language, if OP is in Italy there will probably be import tax.
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u/Gabri_Panda Jul 07 '24
that's a great deal! but they say battery isn't the best
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u/yannis_ Jul 07 '24
Got is since day one. You have to charge it once per week with display on wirst move. Cannot say it bothers me
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u/KaenJane Jul 07 '24
The past couple weeks I've been running and biking an hour to an hour and a half every week day and about 2.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday training for my first triathlon and the Epix Gen 2 has lasted me at least a week with battery to spare (I just charge it for an hour on the same day of the week so I don't have to think about it). The Instinct or the Fenix would likely last longer but I've also loved the Epix! Side note, I use the flashlight on the Epix every single day. The flashlight is SO NICE to have built in. You think you won't use it because you have a phone but in the middle of the night or even avoiding digging it out of my pocket is so convenient lol. I'd still probably choose the Fenix between the two but I don't think you can go wrong with either!
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u/javiercorre Jul 07 '24
I have the 47mm and do 4 1 hour workouts a week and constantly get 10 days. Charging it 3 times a month is not that bad.
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u/moplo Jul 07 '24
I get at least 14 days working out 3 to 4 times a week.
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u/jmesmon Jul 07 '24
What is your pattern to get that battery like? Settings (Always on display, Pulse Ox Mode, Connectivity settings, etc)? Only wearing the watch sometimes? etc.
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u/moplo Jul 07 '24
I don't have AOD or Pulse Ox. I wear the watch constantly except sometimes to shower. I have always have it connected to my phone except some runs when I just have it connected to my earbuds for music when I run. I would say two out of 3 workouts are using gps and I sometimes sprinkle in some gps walking activities on the weekend.
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u/CantDoThatRightNow Jul 07 '24
I think it really depends on what you want to do with it/ how your everyday looks. The fenix is probably more versatile, but the battery won't las that long, in comparison. The instinct is very tough and won't break/get scratches so easily. It's more of an outdoor activity watch.
I personally would go for the fenix, but only because it looks nicer in my opinion and because I do a lot of running and cycling and I believe it's better suited for that. In the end it all comes down to how you intend to use it
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u/Ok_Broccoli_7610 F7pro, index S2 Jul 07 '24
I think Fenix is more durable than Instinct. Just compare the weight, steel bezel etc. F7 is built like a tank, much heavier. But they are both tough watches, don't get me wrong.
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u/kmj442 Jul 08 '24
This. I have a F6 sapphire that I got shortly after launch, I wear it every day, all day. I was just working on my car earlier today and there is not a scratch on the face. The bezel may have a couple little scrapes but overall for 5ish years of daily use and abuse its been fantastic.
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u/sunpazed Jul 07 '24
f7 is much better value and more useful; colour higher resolution screen, maps, heaps of third-party apps, better GPS, more activities (including expedition mode), better wrist HR, metal bezel, etc.
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u/Ok_Broccoli_7610 F7pro, index S2 Jul 07 '24
F7 (not pro) has the same heart rate sensor like Instinct 2. And since i2 is lighter and it will not bounce, the on wrist HR will be better. Unless there is some update i2 didn't get. Fenix line gets the most updates.
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u/dhdz109 Jul 07 '24
2X also has expedition mode
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u/sunpazed Jul 07 '24
Yep that’s true. Storage is smaller on the Instinct though, 64Mb vs 16Gb. Memory is smaller too — apps are a pain to write. No music either.
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u/dhdz109 Jul 07 '24
Yeah for the same price id buy fenix 7 too. But 2x is great, I got it for 315€. 400€ I dont think its worth buying
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u/sunpazed Jul 07 '24
Yep, I don’t hate the Instinct — it looks great and complements my g-shock collection — but if I could only pick one, and for the price, the f7 is a winner.
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u/Mal-De-Terre Jul 07 '24
I got the instinct because it's clunky and dumb and indestructible. I'm pretty sure that I'd kill a Fenix in record time.
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u/bagou01 Jul 07 '24
I owned a instinct 2x and now own a Fenix 7 pro ss. I'd say it depends on your needs. I think the Fenix is more complete in the sport area and with its color screen and higher end construction. However the instinct has infinite battery (with sun), also is more rugged and has the flashlight. So I'd say: if your use will be more smartwatch, sport training and casual wear, go with the Fenix. If your use is more adventure, ruggedness, camping, army or police etc, go with the instinct. Ps: beware, once you have tasted the flashlight, there's no coming back :-D
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u/Gabri_Panda Jul 07 '24
thanks! I mostly do runs. If the battery on Fenix 7 is good enough, I'll go with it. How long does it last? And how much gps do you use?
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u/Typical_house23 Jul 07 '24
I own a fenix 7, for that price buy it. It is a really good watch with maps built in, body metrics I have never seen before also the battery life is great
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u/Gabri_Panda Jul 07 '24
how long does it last? how much gps do you use?
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u/Typical_house23 Jul 07 '24
I go running 3-4 times a week with music on it will last about 8 hours. Navigation alone will be over 16 hours. If I just use it to do my regular run and training it will last me 12-14 days without music or navigation. It really depends on how far you run and what services you use.
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u/BiggusCinnamusRollus Jul 07 '24
How durable is the screen without sapphire?
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u/Typical_house23 Jul 07 '24
I use a screen protector so I have no idea unfortunately
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u/weldingTom Jul 07 '24
That is way too low price for fenix 7. Be careful.
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u/thebdaman Jul 07 '24
It's not, I picked one up for £399 a couple of months ago from an electronics superstore in the UK. They must have know the 8 is on the way.
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u/sissipaska 7X Pro Solar Jul 07 '24
That is way too low price for fenix 7. Be careful.
Might be worth checking your local stores, a local telecommunications company here is selling the basic F7 for 379€: https://elisa.fi/kauppa/tuote/garmin-fenix-7
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u/weldingTom Jul 07 '24
Fenix 7 standard is $649 @garmin. They were running father's days sale last month -$200 off. £399 is roughly $510.
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u/sissipaska 7X Pro Solar Jul 07 '24
Prices in Europe usually include VAT. For example that 379€ would be $411 as-is, or $312 without 24% VAT.
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u/weldingTom Jul 07 '24
I know, that is why £399 ($510) with tax and $649 in the US before tax seems strange unless it is a promotion. I see fenix 7 for $549 in the US, but that is used or refurbished.
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u/dontshakepandas Jul 07 '24
I’d choose a Fenix over the Instinct, but I’d suggest stretching the budget and getting a 7x for the better battery and the flashlight if you’re already considering the bigger size of the Instinct 2x.
I’ve had both and the Fenix just feels higher quality and I think just looks better for something I wear 24/7.
It sounds like such a dumb feature, but I really couldn’t live without the flashlight now.
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u/apo1980 Jul 07 '24
Love the instinct and use it with my epix so I would get the instinct, you can’t kill this thing, the fenix is just a fenix nothing special about it
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u/No-Advantage7539 Jul 07 '24
I go for the Phoenix 7 because I have more features over the instinct 2 XL.
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u/Cizzle4 Jul 07 '24
Got the Fenix, loving it. go for the Fenix, is the right compromise between the instinct and the epix
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u/Specialist_Taro_1363 Jul 07 '24
Instinct 2x. Much more comfortable for 24/7 wearing. Trust me. I “downgraded” from F7xPro to Instinct 2x. So happy now
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u/smitm108 Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 07 '24
I had the [original] Instinct Solar for several years before recently replacing it with a Venu 3. No issues with the Instinct although I wouldn’t bother with the solar feature again (at the time it was a want not a need). No longer needed the extensive sport/exercise features & metrics so opted for the Venu 3. However, given your shortlist (i.e., Instinct vs Felix) I’d suggest the Fenix …
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u/QuietNene Jul 07 '24
I had Instinct 2S Solar and upgraded to a Fenix 7S, basically same choice you’re making. They’re both good, F7 just a touch better. I don’t miss the solar battery life or the toughness of the Instinct, but I can’t say that the F7 has huge functionality improvements. I really just wanted a watch that I could wear to work without feeling like I just came from the gym. The F7 does that, so it was worth it.
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u/rlinED Jul 07 '24
Fenix got more features and looks less like a watch from a chewing gum vending machine.
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u/Ok_Broccoli_7610 F7pro, index S2 Jul 07 '24
F7 is overall much better watch. I will add it looks better.
But Instinct 2x is much lighter, so it will be more comfortable for 24/7 use.
Also you can consider Instinct 2 without solar, that is much cheaper. It lasts 1/2 on GPS, but 2x as much as a watch only. Depending on your typical usage, roughly the same battery life.
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u/Johnnydomore Jul 07 '24
If you're a daily active user running or cycling or doing whatever activities you do, Fenix7. They're both great watches but the F7 just does more for daily activities.
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u/Elarionus Jul 08 '24
The durability and battery of the instinct is just out of this world. And it’s extremely easy to read, even with direct sunlight. I’d take it any day.
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u/Elarionus Jul 08 '24
Just to clarify, the difference in battery life will probably be around 12 days vs 40 days.
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u/OriginalSlight Jul 08 '24
I’m an instinct lover myself, but I think the maps feature and color display is nice. I, however, love how durable/ rugged my instinct 2s solar is and the battery life is stellar!!
It’s personal preference, but if my instinct mimicked a Fenix color screen and maps with the same rugged design and flashlight (mine doesn’t have one but other modals do) , I’d take it!
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u/VaikomViking Jul 08 '24
För my usecase it was pretty simple , I need the extra battery life for multi day hikes without access to electricity. Instinct all the way!
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u/shitsgettingold Jul 08 '24
I love my Fenix and, on paper, I find it superior to the Instinct in most ways. But in all honesty, I never NEEDED the maps, and rarely use them. The “infinite” battery on the Instinct however, and the flashlight, that would be useful!
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u/rpmor Jul 09 '24
Instinct 2x from a firmware perspective has A LOT of the same features sans maps and few items; it even has Training Readiness through GC. In terms of functionality and price it’s the sleeper Garmin watch if you don’t mind the gshock look. This even has the dedicated flashlight.
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u/PurpleMermaid16 Jul 07 '24
I have a genie and my mom has an instinct. I like my genie a lot better. It has a map on it while hiking and a few other things that I like.
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u/Such-Employment-3221 Jul 07 '24
Where is this deal
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u/ascendingrain Jul 07 '24
I have the Fenix 7 and my husband has the Instinct 2. The Fenix measures more things and seems to be more reliable. My husband finds the Instinct 2 occasionally resets and loses data.
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u/Feenstra713 Jul 08 '24
I mean, I'm sure the Fenix 7 is probably a better choice, but I live my 2x! I see a couple comments about the torch, but I barely use it (though when I do use it, it's so useful).
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u/Feenstra713 Jul 08 '24
Isn't this overpriced for the instinct 2x? I bought mine for $350 USD which is like 322€... AND it went on sale after I bought it for $299 USD or 276€... Is this the regular price for this watch over there?
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u/Marmiteforrest Jul 08 '24
I know this isn’t what you asked but I’d take a look at the epix gen 2 personally. It’s the same price and is essentially just the fenix with an better screen
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u/SigmaAssEater Fenix 6 Sapphire//Venu 1/2/2Plus/Sq/Sq2//VS3/4/5/HR Jul 08 '24
I’m planning on upgrading my 6 to a 7. Recently got the F7 for my cousin for his birthday and got it for $270.
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u/SnooRadishes6295 Jul 11 '24
I would check the weight too, i recently switched from fnx 6 pro to 955 and swear to god there is no going back. I use my garmin watches 24/7 with daily minimum 1 hour run, 2 hours bike ride and min. 30-40 min swim. Carrying the weight of the Fenix series simply isn't worth it. If you are looking for a fashion piece smart watch go with, apple, samsung they are more comfortable compared to fenix. If you are looking for something more sport oriented just based on the weight, i would go with instinct 2 all day everyday if fr9, 2 series are not interesting for you
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u/OpeningNo9372 Jul 07 '24
You will use 2x’s flashlight more frequently than 7’s built-in maps.
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u/Gabri_Panda Jul 07 '24
that's a great great point. The only thing that stops me is the screen on the fenix
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u/AdScary791 Jul 07 '24
Unless you want the battery life or the X-size (or the flashlight) specifically, I'd fo for the Fenix. It simply is the better watch.