The epix is basically a fēnix 7 with a better screen and no solar options.

The epix Ti is essentially a fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar without the solar panel, and the epix SS is essentially a fēnix 7.

Good "what's new" breakdown from DCR:

– Garmin Epix base ($899): Music, Garmin Pay, WiFi, downloadable maps, 16GB storage, AMOLED touchscreen, plus all software features

– Garmin Epix Sapphire in White or Black Titanium ($999): Base + multi-band GPS, 32GB storage with pre-loaded maps, Sapphire glass, titanium bezel

There is no solar or flashlight edition/options in the Epix series. While Garmin is free to go with the $899 pricing (it’s equivalent to the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar), however, I think it’s a bit cheap of them not to include at least multi-band GPS at that price point, if not also the full 32GB of storage. Given the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar has it at the same price.

In any case, all units get all software features, and all units get mapping. The difference is that only the Sapphire/Titanium units have the maps pre-downloaded for your region (e.g. North America, Europe, etc…) – whereas the base & base solar units do not. Instead, you simply connect to WiFi and download what you need for your region. That’s because pre-loading all the maps per region would add too many SKUs for Garmin to deal with, primarily on the Fenix side, but they’re carrying it over here too.

Anyway, here’s what’s new in Epix. Note that size/case-wise, Epix is identical in size to the middle Fenix 7 unit (Fenix 7, not Fenix 7S or 7X):

– All Epix units now get free worldwide downloadable TopoActive maps using WiFi (Sapphire units have pre-loaded maps)

– All Epix units now have pre-loaded Skiing & Golf Maps

– All Epix units now have music, WiFi, and Garmin Pay support (previously base Fenix 6 Series did not have this or maps)

– Added full-color AMOLED Display

– Added touchscreen (and can still use buttons for every function)

– Added multi-band (aka dual-frequency) GPS to Epix Sapphire units

– Revamped ‘GPS only’ mode for far more battery life savings

– Added Garmin ELEVATE GEN 4 optical HR sensor

– Switched to glass-covered optical HR sensor (versus plastic with a coating), which increases durability

– Added Garmin SkiView, now includes resort names & slope names

– Added Cross Country Ski Trails to maps

– Added new “Map Manager” feature for managing/downloading maps from your wrist

– Added ‘Up Ahead’ feature for distances to predefined markers like aide stations, climbs, etc…

– Added Realtime Stamina feature, which is used during runs & rides to try and leave nothing in the tank (or, properly manage a workout)

– Added Race Predictor historical trendlines (to see if you’re getting faster or slower)

– Added new Kiteboard Sport Type

– Added new Windsurf Sport Type

– Added new SpeedPro function for Windsurfing (primarily for speedsurfers)

– Added new graphical charts as data fields

– Added scrolling charts in a variety of places, including widgets

– Added finally, for the love of all things holy, the ability to configure activity profiles and data fields from your phone

– Added Garmin Connect IQ store on wrist (well, a limited version of it anyway)

– Added Health Snapshot feature (includes HRV data)

– Added New Sleep Manager Settings for customizing what the device does while you sleep

– Added HIIT workouts (meaning, they’re giving you structured workouts, not just a sport mode)

– Added Automatic Run/Walk/Stand graphing within a workout (see sports section for details)

– Revamped the user interface a fair bit (not a major overhaul, but definitely far cleaner)

– Added ‘button guards’ around all buttons, which reduce accidental presses with things like jackets

– Added metal/titanium (depending on model) lugs covers – see unboxing section for details.

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