For the past two weeks, I’ve been testing out the Garmin Epix Gen 2, transitioning from my previous Pixel Watch 2. This switch has been quite an experience, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this impressive piece of technology.
Unmatched Display Quality
One of the first things that stood out to me with the Garmin Epix Gen 2 is its stunning AMOLED display. The screen quality is nothing short of amazing, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals that make interacting with the watch a pleasure. Even in the brightest sunlight, the display remains completely readable, which is a significant upgrade from the Pixel Watch 2. This level of clarity and brightness makes it easy to use the watch outdoors, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Accuracy and Monitoring
Coming from the Pixel Watch and previously the Fitbit line, I found the accuracy of the Garmin Epix Gen 2’s step and heart rate monitoring to be exceptional. The stress indicators and heart rate monitor have proven particularly insightful. On several occasions, the watch detected elevated stress levels during particularly tense situations, providing real-time feedback on my physiological state.
Exceptional Battery Life
Battery life is where the Garmin Epix Gen 2 truly shines. With the Pixel Watch 2, I was used to a battery life of about 48 hours, even with many features turned off. In contrast, the Epix delivers an astounding average of 10 days of battery life with fairly heavy use and all features enabled except for the always-on display. Though Garmin advertises up to 16 days, the actual use is still a large difference when comparing to other smart watches I’ve tried. This longevity is a game-changer, allowing for extended use without the constant need to recharge. When it does need a recharge, the process is impressively quick.
Rugged Durability
The military-grade durability rating of the Garmin Epix Gen 2 was a key selling point for me, and it has lived up to expectations. Whether it’s enduring rainstorms, rugged ATV rides in the bush, or crawling under my truck to perform repairs, the Epix has handled it all without so much as a micro-scratch. Its resilience is a testament to its build quality, making it ideal for anyone with an active or adventurous lifestyle.
Comfortable Yet Noticeable
While some might find the screen size of the Epix Gen 2 a bit large, especially if you have smaller wrists like mine, I personally feel it strikes the right balance. It’s noticeable but not cumbersome, and it feels exactly how a watch should. The design is both functional and stylish, complementing a variety of looks and activities.
Advanced Features and App Integration
The Garmin app is on par with Fitbit in terms of features and stat displays, showing steps, floors, heart rate, sleep stats, and intensity minutes. However, the Garmin app goes a step further with body battery and stress indicators. Unlike Fitbit, which paywalls some heart rate and advanced sleep functions, Garmin provides these features out of the box, adding significant value.
I also had the opportunity to test the emergency live tracking feature on the Epix, which works as long as you have a phone with a signal. It sends a live map link to my emergency contacts, and in testing, it was one of the most accurate tracking features I’ve ever seen on a smartwatch.
Custom Activities and Versatility
One feature I particularly appreciated was the ability to set up custom activities. As an ATV enthusiast, I created an ATV activity to map trails and track stats during my rides. This customization adds a layer of versatility that enhances the overall user experience.
The Price Factor
At a price point of $1,079.99 CAD for the standard version, the Garmin Epix Gen 2 is certainly a significant investment compared to the Pixel Watch 2, which retails for $479.99 CAD for the Bluetooth/WiFi version. However, I was able to pick up the Epix as low as $599 on sale, which made it a much more irresistible investment. Considering its superior features, durability, and performance, I believe the Epix will outlive any other smartwatch I’ve owned, making it worth the upfront cost.
Final Thoughts
After two weeks of use, I can confidently say that the Garmin Epix Gen 2 has exceeded my expectations. Its unmatched battery life, durability, and advanced features make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a high-performance smartwatch. Despite the higher price, the long-term value and reliability it offers make it a worthy investment for those who demand the best from their tech.
If you’re considering an upgrade and need a watch that can handle the rigors of an active lifestyle while providing top-tier functionality (or you’re just a geek like me), the Garmin Epix Gen 2 is an excellent choice.
Good review! What do you think about the Garmin Instinct 2S as an alternative that still has awesome features but costs much less?
Feature wise, the two devices are extremely similar. I don’t have any on hands experience specifically with the Instinct series, but being an e-paper style monochrome screen opposed to AMOLED and with a solar option, the battery life should be significantly better. For me, I’ve become very much accustomed to smart watches with a touch screen. That was a major deal breaker for me on the Instinct series which is physical button only navigation.