fenix 7 as a standalone smartwatch (without app sync)?

Well, theoretically it is possible.
You get the time and date from the satellite.
However, if the CPE has expired, the GPS fix sometimes takes 15 minutes or longer.
Alarm times and other alarms can be set on the watch, compass, baro and altimeter also work without a cell phone.
What does not work >
Watch updates, especially FW, CPE, font files, translation fixes or other file updates of e.g. GPS, time zones, installed maps updates etc.

But if I spend so much money on a Fenix and then yet do not want to use the functions offered, then the question is allowed ... why not a newer G-Shock ?

G-shocks don't have maps. I wonder if I could set up new fenix without phone. I know that it's possible with instinct but is it possible with fenix 7 for sure?

You need the app to setup wifi. Maybe you can do this using garmin express PC.

After that you can use wifi to sync, update software and download maps. 

Still, when you have it constantly sync to your phone it will have better information to calibrate the barometer and calculate altitude etc. 

If what you want is a good offline maps GPS and ABC device, maybe it's better get a handheld with bigger screen for your adventures and keep your g shock in your wrist.

9970217 said:

You need the app to setup wifi.

No, you don't. Wifi can be set up directly on the watch.

1983275 said:

I wonder if I could set up new fenix without phone

You can do everything without the phone but you will need to sync with Garmin Express occasionally. 

Dr Phil said:

but you will need to sync with Garmin Express occasionally. 

You don't have to "have to" anything 

It is possible for sure. Did it more than once. It's an advantage Garmin has over other brands of upper end smart watches.

Of course there are some restrictions when you use it w/o the App but at least it is possible to configure and use it.

As for the GNSS fix: yes, it takes way longer when you don't have a valid cpe/gpe-file which is downloaded everytime you connect to the app or to the PC/Mac with USB. In my experience though it usually doesn't take longer than 3 minutes under most circumstances, sometimes you have the restart the fixing. With valid ephemeris data it's a matter of seconds. In theory the valid ephemeris data should be downloaded vis GPS if you can maintain a solid fix for the wholetime it takes which is 12,5 minutes per transaction which means 25 minutes with a solid fix should make it...Also if the fix is there it will be kept during activity with or without the ephemeris/almanac data.

But you have a huge bonus too: you'll probably never experience heavy battery problems as described here quite often, most of which are caused somehow by an  wobbly connection. to the smartphone. ;-)

If you wan't to leave G-Shock for the described reasons: I did that quite some time before too and choose Garmin exactly b/o basic functions work w/o connection. Btw. HR, HRV, SpOx etc. will work too, even trainings - only the synchronizations won't obviousely and thus you don't have longtime tracking and training suggestions...I'didn't care.

I only use my phone to setup the watch, then only use wifi to sync 2-3 times a week. Why not use it like that? You can turn off activity and HR tracking if you like. The watch has DEM built in so altitude calibrates without phone.

ted360 said:

The watch has DEM built in so altitude calibrates without phone.

The nightly calibration only works with Bluetooth connection to the phone. The position of the phone is queried.

I don't use nightly calibration, it only works well if you live in a house or on the ground floor. Besides why do I need to know my altitude during the week, when I know exactly how high I am? ;)