tldr; Previous flagship with solar. Great features, now discounted.
$579.99 on AmazonScores based on sentiment analysis of topic-related comments
Best praise vs top criticism for Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
“Might struggle with your budget range, as your most durable option that will tick the most boxes is: Garmin Epix / Fenix. NFC pay through garmin fenix, sapphire glass (there is a youtube video with them testing samsung, apple etc with garmin sapphire glass coming off with most resistance to scratching) with titnaium bezel and back case, NFC pay via garmin pay (depends on region as to covered banks but curve/revolt is covered in most of Europe along with other banks); Can read notifications - plus can see emoji and images for messages, can also do quick replies; Can control spotify playing on your phone (and if you have a subscription you can play offline playlists). Battery life depends on whether its the Epix (with AMOLED) or Fenix (with transflective MIP) and size: Epix 42mm is up to 4 days AOD on, or up to 10 days AOD off or up to 10 to 28hrs of continuous gps; 47mm is up to 6 AOD on, or up to 16 AOD off, or up to 15 to 42hrs of continuous gps tracking; 51mm is up to 11 days AOD on, or 31 days AOD off or up to 30 to 82hrs of continuous gps tracking \[gps tracking depends on gps settings whether using multi-band, auto, all systems or just gps - there are other modes that will extend gps for days by reducing frequency of fix). Fenix is 42mm is up to 11 (14 with solar), or 13 to 46 (solar) hrs continuos gps; 47mm is up to 16hrs (22 with solar), or 15 to 46 (solar) continiuous gps hrs; 51mm is 28 days (37 with solar), or 36 to 122 (solar) continuous gps tracking hours \[ps tracking depends on gps settings whether using multi-band, auto, all systems or just gps - there are other modes that will extend gps for days by reducing frequency of fix\]. But unless you can find an older sapphire Fenix 7 or Epix 2 I doubt you will find them within your price range -maybe second hand. Of course while not having a sapphire screen there are other garmin options including the Instinct 2 Solar which has as long if not longer battery life compared to the Fenix 51mm. Note the Huawei GT4 doesn't have sapphire glass, only the Watch 4 Pro and their Ultimate watches have sapphire glass. NFC according to reviews only still works in china (based on what I saw for fit 3). there is the amazfit balance which uses Curve for NFC pay, but no sapphire glass. A Samsung GW5 Pro may just give you up to 3 days and am pretty sure it has sapphire (but may be incorrect). I think a Oneplus Watch 2 has some form of sapphire glass - and that run wear os giving you google wallet, and think it can make up to around 3 days - definitely can if using its own OS - but when using that not sure google wallet works...”
“True, still a way to go, although I don't find this too bad. I had a Fenix 7 Pro for a while along with this. That really was too thick. I do like the look of the Garmin X1 as well, bit not a fan of the square face.”
170 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 4/4/2026