epix (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition

I wouldn’t let that lack of software updates prevent you from getting a fenix. It may not be getting new UI or features, it does still receive bug fixes. They just released one a week ago. I have an epix gen 2 sapphire and I’m very happy with it. It’s basically an AMOLED version of a fenix 7. The fenix has all the features and training data you could ever need, plus touch screen and physical buttons. If you want an AMOLED screen grab an epix gen 2. My next recommendation would be a forerunner 265 or 965. These two have the newer UI Garmin is going with and feel a bit more like a smart watch, plus AMOLED screen. Biggest difference between the two is, 965 has offline mapping and navigation, 265 just has breadcrumb navigation.

I would go for either the Instinct 3 or Vivoactive 6. Both new watches are great, no issues. Vivoactive 6 is just in your budget range but isn't very 'rugged', which is the perfect desciption of the instinct 3 (which is a bit more pricey). You can go for the black and white screen of the Instinct E ($299), but the tech is a bit more dated, and if you are coming from an apple watch, im guessing you like the bright screens. Another option is the Epix 2 (refurbished) from amazon for $349 (what I would go for). This is their top of the line watch from a few years ago, but still very advanced with most of the new features. [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/) [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/) [https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL](https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL)

I just jumped from apple watch to garmin (epix 2 sapphire) a month ago. I am also not really using it for sports, primarily a smartwatch. Technically still trialing it out, but probably going to keep it because of the battery (getting about 2 weeks between charges compared to less than a day) and customizability (can directly display my steps, heart rate, and other specific information directly on my watch face. You are absolutely right about some of the native apple features… however of most of the apple watch apps never work great for me anyway, especially after the devices ages a bit. The ones that do work, destroy the battery life and usually are more work to fiddle with than grabbing my phone. Also, most only work when them phone is in range. So switching wasn’t a problem at all for me. You’ll still get notifications, can still link your calendar and all that jazz. However, you really need to try with your specific use cases to know for sure. I’d suggest find a place that will let you return if it doesn’t meet your expectations and just giving it a whirl.

I’ve been rocking an Epix gen 2 47mm and recently tried on my buddy’s forerunner 265 and wow. I almost immediately went and bought it. So much lighter and low profile than my Epix. Really considering switching out my Epix

I went from an Apple Watch SE to the Epix Gen 2 AMOLED screen and I can say it’s the best decision I’ve made. This watch is indestructible with the sapphire screen (wiped out once or twice on a mountain bike and smashed it at work) that doesn’t scratch. The battery life is incredible, and it gave me motivation to start running. Couldn’t say better things about garmin watches (the app gets a lot of hate but I think the app is fantastic as well)

I have a 47mm Epix Gen 2. I've had it for a few months now and I love it. I bought it because it was at a price point that I could afford and had the features I was looking for. Battery life is great and I've tweaked the settings to maximize the life where I only need to charge every two weeks or so with about 4-5 hours per week spent in workouts with AOD on.