Garmin Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Review

So I got this Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar when it first came out because I was getting really frustrated with my Samsung watch. The battery would die after like a day and a half, and it didn't even have GPS! I was getting more into trail running and spending time outdoors instead of just running on roads, so I needed something that could actually track my routes and give me way more data.

Why I Switched From Samsung to Garmin

Coming from a Samsung watch, the difference was night and day. My Samsung watch looked pretty and had a nice bright screen, but it didn't even have GPS! I had to carry my phone everywhere just to track runs, which was super annoying especially on trails. Plus the battery life was terrible - I'd have to charge it every night.

When the Fenix 7 came out, I bit the bullet and paid almost $1000 because I was so done with the Samsung. Now that the Fenix 8 is out, you can get the Fenix 7 for way less, which makes it an even better deal than what I got.

The Battery Life Solved All My Problems

This was the biggest game changer coming from Samsung. The battery lasts FOREVER. Like, I'm getting almost 3 weeks without charging it if I spend time outside because of the solar thing. My Samsung watch couldn't even make it through a full day, and since it didn't have GPS, I had to bring my phone on every run which would drain that battery too. Now I can do multi-day hiking trips and weekend trail running adventures without even thinking about battery life.

Perfect for Trail Running and Outdoor Adventures

This is where the Fenix 7 really shines compared to my old Samsung. I'm way more into trail running now and spending weekends hiking, and having actual GPS built into the watch changed everything:

• Finally I could leave my phone at home! No more carrying it just to track runs
• GPS is super accurate even in dense forest or canyons
• Tracks elevation gain/loss which is huge for trail running
• Shows me detailed heart rate zones and recovery data
• Has topographic maps built in so I don't get lost on new trails
• The screen is really tough (sapphire glass) - perfect for when you're bushwhacking through branches
• Tons of trail running specific metrics I didn't even know existed
• Location sharing showing your location, pace and total time in activity

Coming from Samsung with no GPS, having all this data built into the watch was mind-blowing. I actually understand my training now instead of just guessing.

Things That Could Be Better

Coming from Samsung, there are some things I had to get used to. The screen isn't as bright or colorful as my old Samsung - it's more functional than pretty. And the interface took me a while to figure out with all the buttons and menus. Samsung's touchscreen was definitely more intuitive at first.

Also it's way bigger and heavier than the Samsung. Took a few weeks to get used to sleeping with it on. But honestly, once you experience the battery life and all the data, you won't want to go back.

Would I Buy It Again?

100% yes. Best purchase I've made in a long time. I paid close to $1000 when it came out and it was totally worth it. Now that you can get it way cheaper since the Fenix 8 is out, it's an even better deal.

If you're thinking about switching from a Samsung (or any smartwatch without GPS) to something more serious for outdoor activities and trail running, this is perfect. Having GPS built in will change your life - no more carrying your phone everywhere. And the battery life alone makes it worth it.

The only reason I'd say get the Fenix 8 instead is if you really want that newer screen or you just have to have the latest thing. But honestly, I can't think of anything the Fenix 8 does that would make me want to upgrade from this. The Fenix 7 does everything I need and more.