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I'm in a pickel - Upgrade from Fenix 6x to Fenix 7x or Epix Pro

MIKE-SD
over 1 year ago

I currently have the Fenix 6X Pro (I still can return it for exchange).

The main reason for wanting to upgrade is the touch screen, for the Fenix 7x Pro and the Epix 2 Pro (also with a nicer display). 

It would seem like an obvious choice.  Most of the time, I use the Fenix 6x outside, is for walks.  I don't really look at the display.  I mostly use it to record tracks, and fitness data.  I can review that, when I return.  And the things of interest on the walk, is heart rate. For that, I get an audio alert.

Inside is a different thing.  Inside, I use the display a lot.  And inside the Epic  clearly has the edge for the display. Higher brightness, and higher resolution.  So it would seem like the obvious choice would be the Epix 2 Pro.  But there is something nice about the transflective display on the 7x Pro.  It's always visible, without battery drain.

But there are other things to consider.  I use the watch sometimes to record tracks from my vehicle.  I'm concerned about processing speed.  On my Fenix 6x, because the car is moving much faster than walking or hiking, often part of the map is not visible.  It doesn't seem to be able to load maps fast enough. And my vehicle isn't displayed on the map properly.  I have read that the Fenix 7x Pro has a faster processor than the Epix 2 Pro.  Have no idea if that's true. But it's something to consider.  Are there processing differences between the 6x, 7x, and Epic 2 Pro?

Both watches have InReach Remote capability so that's a push.  I have the 700i and want that function.  I would like to use the watch for use in automobile, but I don't know if one would be preferable to the other, for that activity.  I do like recording tracks, on drives.  My 700i does that nicely, but sometimes I forget it or didn't plan ahead.  So having a watch that does it is a plus. Neither support automobile activitype. But one may be preferable to the other for that. 

Are there any other things I should consider that might be a differentiator, that would influence my decision? What?

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    When I get a new watch I'm steering away from the Epix. Beautiful screen that requires more battery.  I want the battery life, I don't care about how it looks that much.

    If I was going to upgrade my F6Pro (I'm not) I'd get a Fenix 7 Pro.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to muppetman

    It's also kind of hard to justify almost $600 additional, just to get a touch screen and a flashlight, I won't use much. And the Epix 2 Pro is even more expensive.

    But I still might, if the F7x Pro has a better processor.  Still looking into that. I also read that the F7x can track multiple activities simultaneously. That could be useful.

    Funny side note. I was testing the remote in reach with my 700i, and got a text from my daughter saying "have a nice drive". Apparently my watch sent her a MapShare link. ;) At least I know it works.

    Update: YES, it seems the 7XPro is faster and more powerful than the 6X.

    F7XPro, ARM Cortex M4 CPU with FPU and MPU support. It can run at 530 MHz

    F6XPro, Kinetis K28F is 150MHz ARM Cortex M4 CPU with single precision FPU

    The processor in the 6X is same one used in the 5 series.  Also the 7XPro gas multiband GPS.

    So the choice now, for me is do I really need the AMOLED display?

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to MIKE-SD

    I did and switched from a 6pro to a 7pro.
    Apart from the slightly lower price, I have come to appreciate the MIP display. I also like the better battery life, unlike the Amoled.
    I can see how you can mess up an Amoled with the x65 watches. Nice and beautiful in the beginning, but over time I wished for something more serious.
    And it seems not only so, the 7 model is faster than the version 6.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    Hi,

    I give it a try on my F6Pro and the map is following me as expected (130KM/h). For Fenix 6 Serie, try to select only the map and DEM needed on the relevant activity, some other details or options if not needed could be disabled.

    I pushed antoher comment here, the CPU is twice performant than for F7/E2/Pro models (same CPU on these series).

    Yes these Series have more capacities, so maps/navigation will smoother and quickier than with F6.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I have a 7 Sapphire and it is faster than my 6X. I still use the 6X for recording car daytrips and vacation travel though. It does it very well, except for the map updates (slow, can't keep up at 100 km/h).

    The Fenix 7 is faster  but still does not keep up with the map screen updates at 100 km/h (it depends on the map you use though, I used the pre-installed maps). Compared to the 6, it did do a better job in cities at speeds <= 50 km/h.

    Edit: There is a routing mode 'Automotive' that I did not use when I tested that. It will work much better than the default I used (running/hiking).

    If tracking driving and displaying the map while driving is your primary reason to upgrade I don't think the higher speed of the 7's processor is worth it, but ideally, you would have to check for yourself. Maybe if you have a friend with a 7, who will lend it to you to test it.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    before every thing check out GPS model on the watch. my friend buy 7x and it has multiband and multi gnss. that is very important because my f6x is very weak in calculate distance in mountain. read all items and then compare and then buy 

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I recently switched from MIP to amoled (from Fenix 5+ to Forerunner 965), and was originally worrying about the same things concerning the display. Now, after the switch, I have to admit that to my own surprise I'm very happy with the amoled display and don't regret abandoning MIP. I'm mentioning this because you mention maps, and it's the map clarity, contrast and brightness where amoled really shines in my opinion (maybe excluding strong direct sunlight).

    Battery wise, if you are considering Epix Pro 51 mm, you'll have plenty of that anyway. And if you are willing to learn some new habits and don't turn on always-on-display on amoled, the battery life is similar to MIP.

    But I understand your pickle very well, since whatever you choose, you are going to have to compromise something...

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Bitti

    I've solved my "pickel" problem, for now. I'm just going to buy both (Fenix 7x Pro, and the Epix Pro (ver 2). 

    I just picked up the 7x and am happy with it as an improvement over my 6x.  But I'm still wondering about the Epix.  So, I've decided to buy it also.  I'll just return one of them.  If it's still a push, I may keep them both. ;)  I've got two arms.  Why not two watches. Slight smile

    I'm going out today and test the 7x on a short drive, to see how the map updates.  I'll use GPS outbound, and multi on the way back.  Gives me an excuse to get out and drive. 

    Side Question:  I do have one other thing to explore, that really doesn't have anything to do with these watch models.  And that is the "inreach" remote capability.  One of the things that I think would be great is if these watches, after recording a track, can automatically transfer to inreach GPS units (like the 700i).

    I use my 700i, for tracking and communications, when I'm off road and out of reach of cell phones.  My daughter tracks me, for safety.  And when I stop, I might get out for a hike or walk.  My watch would track those side trips on foot.  It would be great if, when I came back within range of my 700i, that those tracks would automatically (or even manually) be transferred through my 700i.  So that my daughter could see where I've been.

    Anyone know if that's possible (either automatically or manually)?  I didn't see a way of doing it.  The 700i can send tracks independently of cell phone coverage (through satellite). But the watch needs cell phone to send messages, except through inreach.  But I don't know about making the watch tracks part of the tracking.  Anyone know of a workaround for this?