Garmin Fenix 7X Pro vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar. The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro and Garmin Instinct 2X Solar are two popular watches in the market. Today lets differences between the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro and Garmin Instinct 2X Solar. By comparing their specifications, we can determine which watch offers more value for the price.
So let’s explore the key differences between these two watches and help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Table of Contents
Design
The Fenix 7X Pro comes in three different case sizes, with the largest being 51mm. On the other hand, the Instinct 2X Solar has a case diameter of 50mm, making it slightly smaller than the Fenix 7X Pro. The Instinct 2X Solar is also slightly narrower than the Fenix 7X Pro.
Materials
The Instinct 2X Solar is primarily made of plastic, while the Fenix 7X Pro uses stainless steel for the solar version and titanium for the sapphire solar version. This difference in materials leads to a significant weight difference between the watches. The Instinct 2X Solar weighs 67 grams, while the Fenix 7X Pro weighs 96 grams for the solar version and 89 grams for the sapphire solar version.
The Fenix 7X Pro offers a larger display, topographic maps, and premium materials, while the Instinct 2X Solar is lighter and made of plastic.
Display
The Fenix 7X Pro has a larger 1.4-inch display, while the Instinct 2X Solar has a smaller 1.1-inch display. The Fenix 7X Pro also has a higher resolution of 280 x 280 pixels, compared to the Instinct 2X Solar’s resolution of 176 x 176 pixels.
Another key difference in display technology is that the Fenix 7X Pro features a color display, while the Instinct 2X Solar has a monochromatic display.
In terms of readability in different lighting conditions, both watches use transflective displays that are designed to be easily readable in sunlight. However, the Fenix 7X Pro’s color display may offer slightly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. In indoor environments, where lighting is not an issue, both displays perform well.
Features
A notable feature of the Fenix 7X Pro is its touchscreen capability, which allows for easier navigation and interaction with the watch’s features. The Instinct 2X Solar, on the other hand, does not have a touchscreen and relies solely on the five buttons on its case for navigation.
In addition to these differences, the Fenix 7X Pro offers some additional features that are not available on the Instinct 2X Solar. These include animated fitness exercises, where the watch displays detailed instructions for performing specific exercises. The Fenix 7X Pro also has the ability to store and playback music, allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes during workouts.
The Fenix 7X Pro offers a larger and higher-resolution display, color display technology, touchscreen capability, and additional features like animated fitness exercises and music playback. On the other hand, the Instinct 2X Solar has a smaller monochromatic display.
Price
Lastly, the price difference between the two models should be mentioned. The Instinct 2X Solar is currently priced around $349.99, while the Fenix 7X Pro Solar is priced at approximately $699.99.
Battery Life
Both watches offer impressive battery life, but there are some differences to note. In normal usage, the Fenix 7X Pro can last up to 28 days, while the Instinct 2X Solar can last up to 40 days. However, when it comes to solar conditions, the Instinct 2X Solar has a clear advantage. With solar charging, it can potentially have an unlimited battery life, as long as you’re not constantly using GPS or recording multiple workouts.
During GPS usage, both watches have different battery life capabilities. The Fenix 7X Pro can last up to 80 hours with continuous GPS recording, while the Instinct 2X Solar can last up to 60 hours. However, with solar charging, the Fenix 7X Pro can extend its GPS usage up to 122 hours, and the Instinct 2X Solar can extend it up to 145 hours.
To further optimize battery life, both watches offer energy-saving modes. These modes can help conserve battery by reducing power consumption.
The Instinct 2X Solar has a clear advantage in terms of battery life under solar conditions, thanks to its larger solar panel.
Navigation and Mapping
The Fenix 7X Pro offers topographic maps, which provide detailed information such as street names, points of interest, nearby parks, and rivers. These maps function like a mini navigation system, making them extremely useful for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, the Instinct 2X Solar only offers breadcrumb navigation. While this feature allows you to see your route as a simple line, it lacks additional details and orientation aids provided by topographic maps. While breadcrumb navigation may be sufficient for most users, topographic maps offer significant advantages for outdoor enthusiasts.
Another navigation feature exclusive to the Fenix 7X Pro is roundtrip routing. This feature allows the watch to calculate routes of a specific distance based on user preferences. It’s a helpful tool for planning new routes or exploring unfamiliar areas.
In terms of display, the Fenix 7X Pro’s larger, color touchscreen provides a more intuitive and interactive navigation experience. The Instinct 2X Solar, with its smaller monochromatic display and lack of touchscreen functionality, may be more limiting in this regard.
Sport and Training Functions
Both watches offer a wide range of training modes, but there are some differences to note. The Fenix 7X Pro offers exclusive training modes such as sailing regatta and selexedition, as well as the jumpmaster mode for skydiving.
Additionally, the Fenix 7X Pro offers unique features that enhance the training experience. One of these features is the competition widget, which allows users to create and track goals for upcoming competitions. The watch displays a countdown, current running predictions, and training suggestions to help users prepare optimally.
Another unique feature on the Fenix 7X Pro is the live stamina data. This feature provides real-time information about the user’s available energy reserves during workouts. It helps users understand their current energy levels and make adjustments to their training intensity accordingly. Unfortunately, these exclusive training modes and features are not available on the Instinct 2X Solar.
However, the Instinct 2X Solar does offer some additional features that are not found on the Fenix 7X Pro. These include the training readiness widget and training status widget.
Both watches also offer useful functions such as PacePro and ClimbPro. PacePro allows users to analyze routes and develop pace strategies for different sections of the route. It automatically adjusts the pace based on the terrain, ensuring optimal performance. ClimbPro, on the other hand, assists users during mountainous routes by providing information about the next climb, including steepness and duration.
Conclusion
The Fenix 7X Pro offers a larger display, topographic maps, and premium materials, while the Instinct 2X Solar is lighter and made of plastic.
The Fenix 7X Pro has a higher price tag of approximately 699 USD, compared to the Instinct 2X Solar’s price of around 350 USD.
Personal preferences and needs play a crucial role in selecting the right watch, as some features may be more important to one individual than another.
If a larger display and topographic maps are important for outdoor activities, the Fenix 7X Pro may be the better choice. However, if budget and lightweight design are priorities, the Instinct 2X Solar offers a more affordable option.
