When it comes to multi-sport GPS smartwatches, Garmin and Suunto have been two major contenders in the market, each offering a range of powerful features designed for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison of two popular models: the Garmin Fenix 6 and the Suunto 7. By examining various aspects such as design, fitness tracking capabilities, smart features, battery life, and more, we aim to help you make an informed decision when choosing between these two high-performance smartwatches.
Design and Build Quality
Garmin Fenix 6
The Garmin Fenix 6 is known for its rugged and robust design, which is ideal for outdoor activities. It features a stainless steel or titanium bezel (depending on the model) and a durable fiber-reinforced polymer case. The display is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass, ensuring durability in challenging conditions. The Fenix 6 comes in various sizes to cater to different wrist sizes and preferences.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7, on the other hand, offers a more lightweight and stylish design suitable for everyday wear. It features a stainless steel bezel, a glass fiber-reinforced poly-amide case, and a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display. While it may not be as rugged as the Fenix 6, the Suunto 7’s design makes it a versatile option for both outdoor adventures and daily use.
Display
Garmin Fenix 6
The Fenix 6 offers a variety of display options, including sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) displays that provide excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The screen resolution is sharp, and the larger models provide ample screen real estate for displaying data during activities.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display with a high resolution. This results in vivid colors and sharp text, making it an excellent choice for viewing maps and tracking your fitness metrics. While AMOLED displays may not be as visible in direct sunlight as MIP displays, the Suunto 7 compensates with its stunning visual quality.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Garmin Fenix 6
The Fenix 6 is a fitness powerhouse, offering a wide range of sports and activity tracking modes. It provides advanced metrics for activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. It also includes features like heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox for altitude acclimation, sleep tracking, and Body Battery for energy monitoring. The Fenix 6 excels in tracking various outdoor activities, making it a favorite among adventurers.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 focuses on comprehensive fitness tracking and is powered by Wear OS by Google. It offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and stress tracking. Suunto’s Heatmaps feature allows users to discover popular routes for outdoor activities. While it lacks some of the specialized sports modes of the Fenix 6, the Suunto 7 provides robust fitness tracking for a wide range of activities.
GPS and Navigation
Garmin Fenix 6
Garmin is renowned for its GPS accuracy, and the Fenix 6 is no exception. It offers multiple satellite systems for precise location tracking, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. The watch also supports topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation, making it an excellent choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 utilizes GPS and GLONASS for accurate location tracking. It also features offline maps, allowing users to download maps for offline use during activities. While it may not have the extensive mapping capabilities of the Fenix 6, it provides sufficient navigation features for most users.
Smart Features
Garmin Fenix 6
The Fenix 6 offers a range of smart features, including smartphone notifications, music controls, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and Connect IQ compatibility for downloading apps, widgets, and watch faces. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity for easy data syncing.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 runs on Wear OS, providing access to a wide range of apps and Google services. Users can receive notifications, control music, and download apps from the Google Play Store. It also supports Google Assistant, allowing voice commands and interactions.
Battery Life
Garmin Fenix 6
Garmin Fenix 6 models come with varying battery life depending on usage and features enabled. In standard GPS mode, the battery can last up to 36 hours, while in battery saver mode, it can extend to weeks. The solar edition offers even longer battery life when exposed to sunlight.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 has a shorter battery life compared to the Fenix 6, primarily due to its AMOLED display and Wear OS. It typically lasts around 2 days with normal usage but can be extended to several days with battery-saving modes.
Price
(Although prices are relative at this point to be honest since both have been out for a while now.)
Garmin Fenix 6
The Fenix 6 is available in various models with different features and price points. Prices can range from moderate to high, depending on the specific model and features you choose. The solar edition and Sapphire versions tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Suunto 7
The Suunto 7 is generally more budget-friendly compared to the Fenix 6, making it an attractive option for users looking for a balance between fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Fenix 6 and the Suunto 7 are exceptional smartwatches, each with its unique strengths. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize ruggedness, advanced fitness tracking, and exceptional battery life, the Fenix 6 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek a stylish design, versatile smart features, and solid fitness tracking, the Suunto 7 is a compelling option. Consider your outdoor activities, fitness goals, and budget when making your decision, as both watches offer a wealth of features to enhance your daily life and adventures.
Personal Experience
I am a fan of the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, particularly because I have been a staunch user for 15+ years. It wasn’t until recently that I ran with a friend that I decided to do more research on the two then generating a quick article, really providing highlights.
Check out some of my posts on running, biking, or triathlons.
Triathlon Training Odyssey: From Zero to Hero
Schwinn Spin Bike w/ Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensor
Grade Adjusted Pace, Running, and Biking
Suunto 7
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLONASS
- https://wearos.google.com/
Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash
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