Garmin Epix Gen 2

Garmin's Epix Gen 2 smartwatch, released in January 2022, has swiftly become a go-to device for those seeking a comprehensive blend of fitness tracking, navigation, and smartwatch functionalities. With an Australian RRP starting at $1,529, it positions itself in the premium segment, justifying the price with a robust set of features and an elegant design.

The design of the Epix Gen 2 is both rugged and refined, making it suitable for a variety of environments, from the office to the great outdoors. The watch features a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, protected by durable sapphire crystal on select models. This ensures not only vibrant and crisp visuals but also excellent durability against scratches and impacts. The display is bright and easily readable in all lighting conditions, a crucial factor for outdoor activities.

Performance is underpinned by Garmin's advanced multi-band GNSS technology, which provides superior accuracy in tracking your location. Whether hiking in dense forests or navigating urban canyons, the watch maintains reliable GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo connectivity. This makes it an excellent companion for outdoor enthusiasts who require precise tracking and navigation capabilities.

Fitness and health tracking are comprehensive, catering to a wide range of activities and metrics. The watch supports detailed activity tracking for running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and more, with customised data screens and performance metrics. Heart rate monitoring is continuous, with advanced metrics such as VO2 max and heart rate variability providing deeper insights into your fitness levels. Sleep tracking is thorough, offering detailed analysis of sleep stages, helping you understand and improve your sleep quality.

Garmin's Body Battery energy monitoring is another standout feature. This metric helps you gauge your energy levels throughout the day, guiding you on when to rest and when to be active. Coupled with stress tracking and guided breathing exercises, it promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being. 

Battery life is a critical factor for smartwatches, and the Epix Gen 2 excels in this regard. In smartwatch mode, it offers up to 16 days of battery life, ensuring you can rely on it for extended periods without frequent recharging. When using GPS continuously, the battery lasts up to 42 hours, which is impressive for long outdoor adventures. The power manager feature allows you to customise battery usage, extending the watch's longevity based on your needs.

Smartwatch functionalities are not compromised despite the focus on fitness and outdoor features. The watch supports notifications for calls, texts, emails, and app alerts, keeping you connected even when your phone is not within reach. Music storage and playback are integrated, with support for popular streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes on the go. 

Garmin Pay is included, providing a convenient way to make contactless payments directly from your wrist. This feature is particularly handy for those who prefer to leave their wallet at home during workouts or runs. The watch also offers customisable watch faces and apps through the Garmin Connect IQ store, enabling personalisation to suit your style and needs.

Durability is a key aspect, with the watch designed to withstand tough conditions. It boasts a water resistance rating of 10 ATM, making it suitable for swimming, snorkelling, and other water-based activities. The robust construction ensures it can handle shocks, dirt, and extreme temperatures, aligning with its purpose as a versatile adventure watch.

Navigation features are extensive, including preloaded topographic maps, ski maps for over 2,000 resorts, and downloadable maps for global regions. The watch supports turn-by-turn navigation, round-trip routing, and the ability to create and follow complex courses, ensuring you never lose your way on any adventure.

In conclusion, the Epix Gen 2 smartwatch stands out as a premium device that balances advanced fitness tracking, navigation capabilities, and comprehensive smartwatch functionalities. Its durable design, impressive battery life, and vibrant display make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users, from dedicated athletes to outdoor adventurers and everyday users seeking a high-quality smartwatch.

This description was last updated September 2024.