Should I wait for fenix 7 or go with 6? Thx

I have a Fenix 5s that I like just fine, but I have noticed battery life has declined, especially post year 2. Used to be I could easily do a solid 10 and half hours of hiking with GPS function and still have 15% battery. Last November found the thing could barely hit 9 hours, and even that left me down to 5% battery life. I also really want the swimming heart rate monitor plus heart rate variability data, sleep aspiration functions, and oximeter functions.

That said, the solar functions in 6 are very much just beta, and people have complained a lot about their functionality, and the GPS is also said to be a little lacking for the price, and map detail just isn't there. I'm planning on buying a new Garmin April 2022, since a Garmin Fenix top model is a big purchase and I am slowly saving 60-90 dollars a month until then to pay for it. 

Do you think its likely the 7 will be a pretty stable and well-tested product by then? I am in particular hoping for a more functional and useful solar function, and like the slow shift in Garmin towards lighter and thinner watches (moving closer to Industry standards, but maintaining their function as serious multi-sport watches). It seems like a waste to go from Fenix 5s to Fenix 6s. For a 1000 dollar watch it feels like it would be best to at least skip a generation. 

If you can live with the rather more reflecting, less crispy display the Fenix 6 has, it may be fine for you.

When I wanted to upgrade from my Forerunner 945, I was so annoyed by the Fenix 6 display, that I sent it back and went on with the FR945 which has a decent A/R coating which makes it much more joy to look at than the Fenix 6.

Geroelltrampel said:

If you can live with the rather more reflecting, less crispy display the Fenix 6 has

The display itself is the same.  Well, actually, the 6 and 6x have larger displays- which is nice.

I think the problem you are talking about is the sapphire crystal  - which due to its higher index of refraction, naturally has a lot more reflection off it.   there's a whole thread on this with lotsa' photos comparing them- and the difference is real.

but the Fenix is available with the standard gorilla glass OR a sapphire crystal.  so- you can have that clear view with the Fenix as well.  

I should note that I do have 3 small scratches in my Gorilla Glass Fenix6.  the sapphire lenses are damn near bulletproof.  

I've had my 6X Pro Solar (Gorilla glass) for over 13 months. I chose Gorilla glass in preference to sapphire after frustration with the sapphire glass of my 3HR and 5X+. I put a light scratch into it early on, which is not noticed in daily use, and nothing further for the best part of a year.

I believe (suspect/guess) that the scratch came from my Oura Ring, which has a DLC coating. I used to wear it on my right hand, with the watch on my left wrist, and I think they crossed paths perhaps when in bed. Since the realisation I make sure to keep them on the same side, swapping both at the same time if I need a change to let my wrist breathe. since then, no more scratches. Basically it looks damn near as good as new.

Sorry but you are wrong - I had the Fenix 6x Pro (Gorilla Glass) and it is terrible reflecting because of no A/R coating. 

Otherwise I would have said Sapphire. 

I might be wrong for your Fenix, but I'm not wrong for *my* Fenix 6 Pro.  My gorilla glass is nice and clear.  Had it side by side with a sapphire and the difference is striking.  

You mean settle for the rather limited 6 or wait a bit and get everything you want, all working perfectly without need for updates, in the upcoming 7?

You suspected that the annoying reflection I stated was between the Gorilla F6 and the sapphire which I told you to be wrong. I hope you got it now.

I compared the crispiness of the A/R coated FR945 to the reflection of the non A/R coated Fenix with Gorilla glas. Just read my posting.

If you did compare your F6 pro with the sapphire, it might be better.  But it's not as good as a A/R coated FR945 which I personally find not accepable for the more expensive F6.