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 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 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.

I usually wear both a watch and a fitness tracker. For the watch, it is usually a Seiko SKX007 or a Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster. For the fitness tracker, I wore a Garmin Forerunner 245 for several years, and a few months ago, I purchased an Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire (47m).

Recently picked up a used Epix Pro Sapphire 47mm for $375,