Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the smarter buy for most people thanks to its multi-band GPS and stunning AMOLED display. If you're considering flagship devices in 2026, the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium offers incredible battery longevity and a brighter screen, but lacks some essential smart features. In real-world usage, the Garmin's 16-day battery life is impressive, but the Suunto's 20-day battery can outlast extended adventures. The trade-off? You get a slightly larger display with the Suunto, measuring 1.5 inches compared to the Garmin's 1.3 inches, which means more screen real estate for maps and stats on your wrist.
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)

Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 Vertical 2 Titanium

Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)

Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
| Criterion | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) | Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,201)Amazon | ★4.4(32)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (Suunto App); Predefined replies (Android only) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Suunto Proprietary OS |
Case Size | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens | Titanium Grade 5 bezel; Glass fibre reinforced polyamide case; Sapphire crystal glass |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | LTPO AMOLED matrix display; Up to 2000 nits brightness; Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter | 1.5 in |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | 100 m |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | Tested to military standards (MIL-STD-810H); Titanium bezel; Sapphire crystal |
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 |
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 | Optical heart rate (upgraded sensor); Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric altimeter (FusedAlti™); Digital compass; Thermometer; 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 recovery measurement; Sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); Blood oxygen; Stress and recovery status; Fitness Level (VO2max) |
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 | 115+ sport modes; Triathlon; Swimming (pool/open water); Running (power/pace); Cycling; Hiking; Ski touring; Snorkeling (depth up to 10m) |
Storage | 32GB | 32GB (Dedicated for offline maps) |
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) | No (Call notifications 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 | Smartwatch: Up to 20 days; Performance Mode (Dual-band GPS + AOD): Up to 65 hours; Tour Mode: Up to 250 hours |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-C) |
Weight | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model | 74 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Fits wrists 125–175 mm (standard) or up to 215 mm; 22mm width |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report | Integrated LED Flashlight; Offline maps with heatmaps and surface info; Solar charging (Titanium Solar models only, though AMOLED limits efficacy); Climb Guidance; SuuntoPlus ecosystem |
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
✓ 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
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Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium
✓ Pros:
- • Stunning 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display (2000 nits) is significantly brighter than the original MIP
- • Integrated LED flashlight is a game-changer for camping and night safety
- • Maintains incredible battery life (65h dual-band GPS) despite the switch to AMOLED
- • Market-leading offline mapping capabilities with 32GB storage
✗ Cons:
- • No onboard music storage (only media controls)
- • Lacks smart features like NFC payments and Bluetooth calling
- • Large 49mm case size may be overwhelming for smaller wrists
- • Proprietary OS is less fluid/app-rich than Apple Watch or Wear OS
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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 multi-band GPS crushes the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium. That said, grab the Suunto if you prioritize battery life - it's 4 days longer.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you want top-notch GPS accuracy, you enjoy advanced health tracking features, or you need a durable watch for outdoor activities. (2.47 oz weight)
Choose the Suunto Vertical 2 Titanium if: you need longer battery life for multi-day trips, you prefer a larger display for easier readability, or you want superior offline mapping capabilities. (2.61 oz weight)
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 Vertical 2 Titanium is better if you prioritize stunning 1.5-inch ltpo amoled display (2000 nits) is significantly brighter than the original mip. 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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