Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945: choosing between these top multi-sport watches

If you are into multi-sports and only want the best, a Garmin smartwatch is the way to go. The company has updated its Fenix range in January. The line is up to iteration number seven while the highest spec Forerunner is now the 945 along with its cellular brother, the 945 LTE. In this article we pit the Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The first comes in a variety models and there’s a no shortage of Forerunner watches to choose from so you may be wondering which is best for you. To make your decision easier we’ve compiled a run-down of all the important differences. Read on to find out how they compare.

Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945: General and design

Fenix 7 has a more premium build – and choice of sizes

When it come to design, the main difference between the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 945 is in design. The first is built of premium materials such as stainless steel, titanium or diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated titanium (depending on the model), the second of fiber-reinforced polymer.

This makes the Fenix line heavier. The three different sizes (regular, S and X) and their multiple variants measure between 63 and 89 grams. The Forerunner 945, on the other hand, only comes in a 47mm size which measures 50 grams.

Beyond that both these watches carry the flagship circular design of the Garmins. The diameter of the base Fenix 7 model is the same as the Forerunner 945 (47mm). But the latter is slightly thinner. Those with smaller or larger wrists can opt for the S or X Fenix 7. There is no such choice with the Forerunner.

Fenix 7 has a larger touch-enabled display

Garmin has managed to increase the size of the display on the Fenix watches while keeping the diameter the same. So you will get a 1.3″ screen on the base 47mm Fenix 7 version, while the Forerunner’s display is smaller by 0.1″. This also means the pixel density is larger on the Fenix at 260 x 260 (versus the 240 x 240 on Forerunner 945). A bigger screen means more room to view your notifications, maps and training data. You can check out the dimensions and resolution of the S and X variant in the table below.

While the display on all these watches is memory in pixel, there is a very important difference. On the Fenix 7 you can navigate the menus both by touching the screen and via the five physical buttons. Just like Fenix 6, the Forerunner 945 does not have a touch-enabled display.

All watches have excellent water resistance. The Fenix models 10 ATM and the Forerunner 945 has 5 ATM. Either of the two will suffice for most people.

Battery life is great on both watches

Battery life is fairly similar at around two weeks although you will get customisable power-management modes with the Fenix 7 which you don’t get on the Forerunner. Tweak the settings and the watch will show you exactly how much battery life (in hours) the watch has left.

Of course, there’s also the Fenix 7 solar variant. It comes with a transparent solar charging lens that sits on top of the watch face. This converts the sun’s rays into energy which provides you with an additional 20% (roughly) battery juice. No such choice with the Forerunner.

On to the sensors.

Both the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 945 feature the same list of sensors. The difference is that the ones you’ll find on the Fenix are the newest generation. For example, the Garmin ELEVATE heart rate module has been upgraded to version 4 and the timepiece has the latest Sony multi-band GNSS chip.

The list of other sensors consists of an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, thermometer, Pulse Ox and barometric altimeter. As you’d expect from a sports watch there’s support for GPS/GLONASS/Galileo. The Sapphire editions of Fenix 7 also have multi-frequency positioning. This means multiple frequencies from each constellation for improved positioning where GNSS signals are weak.

Under the hood you’ll find a NFC chip for payments on the go. Finally, you also get storage for music – up to 2,000 songs on Fenix 7 and about a half of that on Forerunner 945.

Here’s a table illustrating the design differences between the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 945. We’ve also included the Fenix 6 watch in case you are considering that model. You are surely to find some nice discounts on that one.

Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945: Activity tracking features

Whatever sport you are into, these watches will have you covered. There’s a host of performance and physiological metrics to keep even the biggest data geeks busy. Garmin is the king of sports watches for a reason.

It is worth mentioning right away – the core of the functionality between these watches is the same. There is some difference in health and performance metrics but you’ll get plenty whatever you choose.

What you’ll find on both watches is: Anaerobic Training Effect, Real-Time Performance Condition, Calories Burned, Training Load, Tgraining Status, Training Load Balance, Workout Labels, Recovery Time Advisor, Quick Stress Level Test, All-day Stress & Recovery, Heat and Altitude Acclimatization, Body Resources, Race Predictor and Respiration Rate.

They also come with Garmin’s Body Battery function and Incident Detection and Assistance. The Forerunner 945 LTE can tap into the latter without the need for a smartphone. We are yet to see a Garmin Fenix watch with cellular support. Don’t be surprised if you see a Fenix 7 LTE in the coming months.

Garmin Fenix 7 Gadgets & Wearables may get a commission

So what do you actually get on the Fenix 7 in terms of functionality that you don’t get on Forerunner 945? Some bits and pieces.

One of these is a Health Snapshot. Do a 2 minute test and you’ll get a bunch of figures including your heart rate variability (HRV). You’ll also get HIIT workouts and Vo2Max for trail running.

Worth a mention is the Up Ahead feature of the Fenix 7 along with a Stamina Metric. The first is a tool that provides information about upcoming locations along your route or the road on which you are travelling. The second is designed to show how much performance you have left in the tank. Its aim is to help you pace yourself so you don’t run out of gas before the finish line. Its possible some of these features will come the the Forerunner 945 via future firmware updates.

The remaining differences are minor. Here’s the full list. Once again, we’ve added the Fenix 6 to the table.

Garmin Fenix 7 vs Forerunner 945: Verdict

The things that work in the favour of the Fenix 7 are mostly to do with design. This watch range is built from premium materials so is more durable and looks better than the Forerunner. The Fenix 7 also have a slightly larger screen than the Forerunner 945 which means more room for your data, maps, notifications, etc. Plus the display is touch-enabled.

It all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend. If you’re after more bang for your buck, the Forerunner 945 comes with pretty much everything you get on the Fenix 7 model. The sacrifice is the build of the device, which is slightly plasticky, along with a few missing performance metrics, fewer activity profiles, slightly shorter battery life, previous generation heart rate sensor and GPS chip – and a few other minor bits and pieces. If you only want the best – the Fenix 7 is the way to go.

Garmin Forerunner 945/945 LTE Gadgets & Wearables may get a commission

The Fenix 7 comes in a choice between three iterations to suit wrists of all sizes. There’s also the solar option if cost is not an issue. You can buy the watches on Amazon (links: Fenix 7, Forerunner 945) and Garmin’s website.

You might also be considering the Fenix 6 model or the more fancy version of Garmin Fenix 7 called Epix 2. Read in detail how they compare on this link.

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