Table of Contents
Connected and multimedia functions: music, payments, notifications, and comparison with Apple Watch Ultra
In terms of connected functions, the Epix Gen 2 has little to envy of the most modern watches. It allows you to store titles, synchronize playlists from Spotify, Deezer Or Amazon Musicthen listen to it all via Bluetooth on headphones without having to carry your smartphone. THE contactless payment via Garmin Pay works correctly with compatible banks and simplifies refueling while running or hiking.
Smartphone notifications are well managed, with the ability to view messages, archive emails or refuse a call. This is enough to stay connected without turning the watch into a general command center. Facing theApple Watch Ultra, Garmin remains less integrated into the iOS ecosystem, but offers a more neutral approach, compatible with both Android and iPhone, with features richer sportswomen.
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Built-in offline music player, convenient for long outings.
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Complete notifications, without trying to replace the smartphone.
Absence of microphone and speaker: consequences on calls and voice assistants
One of the assumed choices of Garmin on the Epix Gen 2 is the absence of microphone and speaker. Concretely, this means that it is impossible to make calls directly from the watch or to use a voice assistant like Siri or Google Assistant. Where theApple Watch Ultra allows you to answer a call on your wrist in the middle of the street, the Epix simply displays the notification and lets the smartphone manage the voice.
For some users, this will be a prohibitive lack. For others, it’s a non-issue: Marc explicitly preferred to avoid voice assistants in the mountains to preserve battery life and concentration. By removing these functions, Garmin was able to concentrate hardware and software resources on features sport and health.
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No wrist calls, no voice commands.
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Less “smartwatch”, more “outdoor instrument” focused on performance.
In a market where not everyone wants to talk to their watch, this assertive positioning makes sense, and reinforces the overall coherence of the Epix Gen 2.
Is the Garmin Epix Gen 2 suitable for a thin wrist?
The 47mm case is imposing and can appear massive on a very thin wrist. In daily use, some people will find it too present, especially for sleeping. On the other hand, for sports, the display surface is a real advantage. If you have a narrow wrist, try putting it on your wrist before purchasing and choose a flexible, well-fitting bracelet to improve stability and heart rate measurement.
What is the real autonomy of the Garmin Epix Gen 2 in intensive use?
In intensive use with Always-On screen, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, nightly SpO2 and several GPS sessions per week, the Epix Gen 2 generally lasts between 3 and 5 days. By reducing Always-On and certain health measures, we easily reach 7 to 10 days. The Fēnix 7 maintains better endurance, but the Epix offers an excellent compromise between autonomy and display quality.
Is the Epix Gen 2 heart rate measurement reliable for intensive training?
The Elevate Gen4 sensor provides reliable heart rate for daily tracking and most workouts. On the other hand, on very jerky efforts (HIIT, sprints, committed mountain biking) or on thin wrists, inaccuracies may appear due to the movements. For critical sessions or competitions, it is recommended to combine an external ANT+ or Bluetooth compatible cardio belt.
Is the Epix Gen 2 still interesting compared to the new Garmin Fēnix 8?
Yes, especially on promotion. The Fēnix 8 brings new features such as further optimized GPS, an offline voice assistant and enhanced training programs. However, the Epix Gen 2 already offers an Amoled screen, multi-band GPS, full mapping and a very wide range of sports features. For many users, the price difference between the two generations is not justified, which makes the Epix Gen 2 a smart purchase.
Can you use the Garmin Epix Gen 2 without a smartphone on a daily basis?
Yes, but the experience is more limited. You can log your activities, track your health, use mapping and listen to music stored internally. However, you will need the smartphone for initial setup, data synchronization with Garmin Connect, management of maps and online music services. Once these elements are configured, the watch remains perfectly functional on its own in the field.
