It might be quite a challenge to pick a smartwatch, especially if it’s a premium one. Garmin and Apple are known for producing some of the best smartwatches to date. So in this Apple Watch Series 7 vs Garmin Fenix 6 Series guide, let’s see how well these two brands compare. Note that the Watch Series 7 and the Fēnix 6 series are an exceptional lineup of smartwatches. The pros and cons of these watches don’t mean one of them is extremely good/bad over the other.
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Both Apple and Garmin have their fair share in history when it comes to smartwatches. Both these brands have been smart enough to tailor their smartwatches the way their users want. And this has been the reason why professionals prefer Garmin for its upper hand in sports and related activities. Apple doesn’t fall behind as its watches are known for many of their Smart features.
Apple Watch Series 7 vs Garmin Fenix 6 Series: Which one is for you
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Design and Variants
Apple Watch Series 7 is a collection of 10 watches that fall under three categories based on the primary material used. Apple is using Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Titanium as the primary material for their Watch Series 7. Garmin Fēnix 6 Series, on the other hand, is a collection of 5 watches, namely Fēnix 6S, Fēnix 6, Fēnix 6 Pro Solar, Fēnix 6X and the Fēnix 6X Pro Solar.
We hope there is no need to mention the color variants here as they’re more of a personal choice, but know this, Apple Watch Series 7 has the most colors. Apple is using their trademark square-ish look, whereas Garmin follows the more traditional rounded dial design. Apple has a smooth contour compared to the masculine design of the Garmin Fēnix 6 Series. Garmin watches also have a rugged design that is essential for achieving your sports goals.
All watches in the Watch Series 7 have a dimension of 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm, whereas the Fēnix 6 Series comes in various dial sizes of 42, 47, and 51mm. Fēnix 6S uses the 42mm dial. Both the Fēnix 6 and the Fēnix 6 Pro Solar have a 47mm dial. The Fēnix 6X and the Fēnix 6X Pro Solar use the larger 51mm dial.
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Sensors and Smart features
This one is a win-win situation for both Apple and Garmin. Garmin has the best sensors, but Apple scores with its Smart features. Garmin watches are known for their tracking capabilities.
The Fēnix 6 Series might have the most accurate tracking system, including GPS. It also comes with an optical heart rate sensor, a barometric altimeter, a compass, a gyroscope, a Pulse Ox, an accelerometer, and a thermometer. Apple, on the other hand, has managed to squeeze in all the necessary sensors. It includes an optical heart rate sensor, an electrical heart sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a GPS, a barometric altimeter, and a compass.
Apple’s Smart features have always been the selling point of the Watch Series. No other brand has ever managed to put up to that level, not even Garmin. You can find native and third-party apps for everything imaginable, and watchOS 8 takes this a step further. Also, it is worth noting that the Watch Series 7 comes with LTE for faster internet connectivity.
Activity Tracking and Battery Life
Garmin is a clear winner in these segments, with some exceptions. Even though the Apple smartwatch is one of the most advanced smartwatches out there, they’re very much like the brand’s iPhones and iPads. The latest Apple watches come with a battery that feels it’s from previous generations. The battery in the new Apple watches can only provide up to 18 hours which means you’ll have to charge them daily. Garmin shines here with the two weeks’ battery life, and you could get 36 hours with GPS switched on. Also, Garmin watches come with customizable power-management modes that give the user more control over their device. The solar editions of the Fēnix series make the Apple Series 7 look outdated.
While Garmin’s transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display isn’t as good as Apple’s LTPO OLED Retina screen with 1000 nits of brightness, the brand’s choice does help in improving the battery life. Speaking of the display, both our contestants have always-on screens that make them feel real. The heavier battery of the Fēnix 6 Series makes these watches heavier than the Watch Series 7. We won’t think that would be a disadvantage as many would prefer a heavier one over a light one.
Tracking is another concern for many who are planning to buy a smartwatch. Both our contestants are an excellent choice for any terrain. But the rugged design of the Fēnix 6 Series should give the user more confidence over the Apple Watch Series 7. Also, we doubt how well the curved display of the Watch 7 could hold up with you in your activities. As for water resistance, Apple watches are water-resistant for up to 5ATM (or 50 meters). Garmin has bumped this up to 10ATM (or 100 meters). Also, we believe the shorter battery of the Apple Watch will be a drag for your adventures.
To wrap things up
As for which one to choose, we recommend that you go with the Garmin Fēnix 6 if you’re really into sports and adventures. But if you are a casual user who wants a complete package, we recommend that you go with the Apple Watch Series 7. Not only is it cheap compared to Garmin, but these Apple watches offer Smart features and assistance that no one in the competition can offer.
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