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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Suunto Race
If you're after the best, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the flagship model here, but the Suunto Race gives it a run for its money in some areas. After testing both, the key differentiator is battery life: 16 days on the Garmin vs 40 hours on the Suunto in performance mode. The 1.3" AMOLED display on the Garmin offers vibrant visuals, but the Suunto's 1.43" screen shines brighter at 1000 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. So, if you're an outdoor enthusiast, this might sway your decision, especially for long training sessions where visibility is crucial.
⚖️ Weight: 2.47 oz vs 2.93 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 16 GB🔋 Battery: 16 days vs 40 hours
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7
(1,201)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
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Suunto Race
★4.2
(297)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Suunto Race
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Resolution
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GBWinner
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium modelWinner
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Water Resistance
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Suunto Race
100 m (10 ATM)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Suunto Race
Suunto UI
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Suunto Race
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Suunto Race
★4.2(297)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,201)Amazon | ★4.2(297)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) |
Display Size | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter | 1.43 in |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope |
Health Features | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status |
Workout Modes | Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates |
Storage | 32GB | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) |
Weight | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation |
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Rating:★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution:416 x 416 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report
✓ Pros:
- • Premium Sapphire and Titanium build is lightweight yet durable
- • Built-in LED flashlight is incredibly useful for night training
- • Elevate Gen 5 sensor enables ECG and improved tracking accuracy
- • Excellent battery life (16 days) despite the bright AMOLED screen
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ offers top-tier location precision
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the microphone and speaker found in the newer Fenix 8
- • No LTE/Cellular option (phone required for data/safety features)
- • Significant price premium over standard non-Sapphire models
- • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than wireless options
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Suunto Race
Rating:★4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Suunto Race's 40-hour performance mode. That said, grab the Suunto Race if you want a similar-weight watch at 2.93oz with a stunning display - it's perfect for those who prioritize screen quality over battery longevity.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you want an incredible 16-day battery life, need advanced health tracking features, or prefer a more premium build quality with titanium and sapphire.
Choose the Suunto Race if: you need 40 hours of GPS tracking, want a vibrant 1.43" AMOLED display for outdoor use, or prefer a similar-weight watch at 2.93oz.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) excels if you value premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. Suunto Race is better if you prioritize vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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