There’s an awkward moment in any tech buyer’s life: you find a watch you love, only to learn it’s been discontinued. That’s exactly where the Garmin Epix Gen 2 sits in early 2025 — a premium AMOLED smartwatch launched in January 2022, still available at steep discounts but no longer in production.
Release date: January 2022 ·
Display type: AMOLED (1.3-inch) ·
Battery life (smartwatch mode): Up to 16 days ·
Launch price (Sapphire): $899.99 ·
Current status: Discontinued by Garmin
Quick snapshot
- Released January 2022 (Garmin Epix product page)
- 1.3-inch AMOLED, 416×416 resolution (Garmin)
- Up to 16 days smartwatch battery life (Garmin)
- Discontinued by Garmin in late 2024 (Garmin product page – out of stock)
- Future software update policy beyond 2025
- Availability of replacement parts after discontinuation
- Launch (Jan 2022) → Epix Pro refresh (mid-2023) → Fenix 8 launch (Aug 2024) → discontinuation (late 2024)
- Remaining stock will sell out; discounts are already deep.
- Watch for Garmin’s Epix 3 or the next AMOLED Fenix to complete the transition.
A quick look at the core specs that define the Epix Gen 2 experience:
| Display | 1.3-inch AMOLED, 416×416 (Garmin official specs) |
| Battery life (smartwatch) | Up to 16 days |
| Battery life (GPS) | Up to 42 hours |
| Weight | 63 g (stainless steel) |
| Water rating | 10 ATM (100 m) |
| Price at launch | $899.99 (Sapphire edition) |
| Release date | January 2022 |
Is Epix Gen 2 still worth it?
Is the Garmin Epix Gen 2 good?
Yes, by most measures it remains a very capable watch. The AMOLED display is still among the brightest and most legible in Garmin’s lineup, with 416×416 resolution that makes maps and widgets crisp. Battery life in smartwatch mode — up to 16 days — matches the Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED figure. The watch still receives firmware updates as of early 2025, though Garmin hasn’t publicly committed to a support end date.
Is Garmin Epix 2 outdated?
- Sensor hardware: Epix Gen 2 uses Elevate v4 (heart rate) while Fenix 8 uses the newer Elevate v5. The v4 sensor is still accurate for most activities, but v5 adds improved SpO2 and faster readings.
- Missing features compared to Fenix 8: no built-in speaker/mic for voice commands or calls (Garmin Fenix 8 product page), no dive-rated design, and no leak-proof inductive buttons (Mighty Gadget review).
- Display: The Epix AMOLED is actually an advantage over the Fenix 8 solar MIP models — it’s brighter indoors and in low light.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 review highlights
“A mightily powerful watch that looks the part too.”
– Base Mag reviewer, 2023
Critical reception has consistently praised its screen quality, battery balance, and the full suite of outdoor features (TopoActive maps, multi-band GNSS). The trade-off is the older sensor platform — but for most runners and hikers, the accuracy gap is negligible.
The pattern: the Epix Gen 2 remains a compelling option for everyday athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a bright, readable display without paying for the latest sensor suite.
Which is better, Epix or Fenix?
Five key differences, one pattern: Epix gives you the best screen for less money; Fenix gives you the newest hardware with optional solar.
| Feature | Epix Gen 2 (47mm) | Fenix 8 (47mm AMOLED) | Fenix 8 (47mm Solar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) |
| Battery life (smartwatch) | Up to 16 days | Up to 16 days | Up to 29 days (up to 43 with solar) |
| Battery life (GPS) | Up to 42 hours | Up to 42 hours | Up to 57 hours (up to 73 with solar) |
| Speaker & mic | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dive rating | No (10 ATM, not dive) | Yes (EN13319) | Yes (EN13319) |
| Launch price (Sapphire) | $899.99 | $1,099.99 (approx) | $1,099.99 (approx) |
Is Epix 2 the same as Fenix 7?
Architecturally, the Epix Gen 2 shares the same core platform as the Fenix 7 series — same GPS chipset, same software feature set, same sensors. The main difference is the display (AMOLED vs MIP) and the inclusion of a touchscreen on the Epix. In fact, the Fenix 7 is no longer sold by Garmin in many regions, while the Epix Gen 2 — despite being discontinued — still offers a comparable experience at a lower price.
Key differences: display, battery, weight
- Display: Epix AMOLED is significantly brighter (up to 1,000 nits) than Fenix MIP models. The Fenix 8 AMOLED matches it, but costs $100–$150 more.
- Battery: Fenix 8 Solar models blow Epix out of the water for endurance (29 days vs 16), but the Epix battery is still excellent for a weeklong trip.
- Weight: Epix Gen 2 (47mm) weighs 63 g vs 67 g for Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED. The difference is small but noticeable on the wrist.
For the price of a Fenix 8 AMOLED, you could buy an Epix Gen 2 and a dedicated dive watch. That’s a concrete trade-off for anyone not needing underwater features.
How old is Garmin Epix Gen 2?
Garmin Epix Gen 2 release date
The watch was announced and released in January 2022. That puts it just over three years old in early 2025 — middle-aged for a smartwatch, but still well within typical Garmin support windows (the Fenix 6 from 2019 still gets updates).
Epix Gen 2 age and support lifecycle
- Three years since launch: still receiving critical updates and map updates.
- Garmin’s track record with the Fenix 5 (2017) shows software updates lasted about 5 years.
- Discontinuation does not automatically cut support; Garmin continues to support many discontinued models.
If Garmin stops map updates in 2026, the offline navigation value drops. That’s a real risk for backcountry hikers who rely on TopoActive maps.
The pattern: the watch’s useful life likely extends at least another two to three years, even after discontinuation.
Is Epix Gen 2 discontinued?
Has the Garmin Epix been discontinued?
Yes — Garmin officially discontinued the Epix Gen 2 in late 2024. The product page on Garmin.com still exists but the watch is no longer available for purchase directly from Garmin.
What happens after discontinuation
- Third-party retailers still carry remaining stock, often at deep discounts — Android Central reported a $490 discount on the Epix Pro 51mm (Android Central deal report).
- Replacement parts may become harder to find over time.
- Software updates will continue for a while, but Garmin hasn’t announced a cutoff date.
The implication: if you want a new unit, act soon; remaining stock will sell out.
What is the Garmin Epix 2 good for?
Best use cases for the Epix Gen 2
- Daily wear and fitness tracking – light, great screen, full health suite (HR, SpO2, sleep).
- Running and cycling – multi-band GNSS ensures accurate tracking in cities and forests.
- Hiking and navigation – built-in TopoActive maps with turn-by-turn directions.
Activities where AMOLED shines
The 1.3-inch AMOLED screen is noticeably easier to read than MIP displays in low light and indoors. That makes it ideal for gym workouts, evening runs, and everyday use. Outdoor enthusiasts who spend all day in direct sun may prefer the fenix MIP for better glare resistance, but the Epix display is still very usable (1,000 nits peak brightness).
Health monitoring accuracy
- Heart rate: Elevate v4 optical sensor – accurate to within 2–3 bpm during steady-state activities.
- SpO2: On-demand and all-night tracking – slightly slower than v5 but reliable.
- Sleep stages: Consistent with other Garmin devices; body battery and stress tracking are strong.
The pattern: the Epix Gen 2 is a value proposition, not a compromise — provided you can live without the two hardest features (voice control and dive mode).
Clarity check: what we know and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Epix Gen 2 released January 2022 (Garmin)
- AMOLED display and specifications as listed (Garmin)
- Discontinued by Garmin as of late 2024
What’s unclear
- Future software update policy beyond 2025
- Availability of replacement parts after stock runs out
“The Epix Pro 51mm gives you near-identical features to the Fenix 8 at a $490 discount.”
– Android Central, deal coverage
Pattern: The Epix Gen 2 is a value proposition, not a compromise — provided you can live without the two hardest features (voice control and dive mode).
Pros and cons at a glance
Upsides
- Brilliant AMOLED display – still best-in-class
- Battery life matches Fenix 8 AMOLED (16 days)
- Multiband GPS, full maps, Garmin Pay, music storage
- Significantly cheaper than Fenix 8
- Lighter than most Fenix models
Downsides
- Older Elevate v4 heart rate sensor
- No speaker/mic for voice or calls
- Not dive-rated
- Discontinued – support future uncertain beyond 2–3 years
- No solar charging option
What this means: the Epix Gen 2 is a clear winner for anyone who values display and price over the newest sensors and dive capability.
Timeline: The Epix Gen 2 story
- – Garmin Epix Gen 2 launched (Garmin)
- – Epix Pro (Gen 2) released as refresh
- – Fenix 8 series announced (Garmin blog)
- – Epix Gen 2 discontinued from Garmin.com (Garmin product page – out of stock)
The pattern: the discontinuation came about 2.5 years after launch, a typical lifecycle for Garmin’s premium lines.
Summary: Should you buy the Epix Gen 2 in 2025?
The Epix Gen 2 is an excellent watch at a great price, but it’s not for everyone. If you need the absolute latest sensor technology, dive capability, or voice control, the Fenix 8 is the better choice. For everyone else — runners, hikers, daily fitness users who want a gorgeous screen and solid battery — the Epix Gen 2 is a smarter use of money. For the typical buyer in the US or Europe trying to stay under $600, the choice is clear: grab an Epix Gen 2 while stock lasts, or wait for a Fenix 8 discount that may not come for another year.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Garmin Epix Gen 2 have an ECG sensor?
No, the Epix Gen 2 does not include an ECG sensor. It uses an optical heart rate sensor (Elevate v4) for continuous HR tracking but does not support single-lead ECG measurements.
Can the Epix Gen 2 receive phone calls?
No, the watch does not have a speaker or microphone. It can display call notifications but cannot take or make calls.
Is the Epix Gen 2 waterproof?
It has a 10 ATM rating (100 meters) and is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but it is not certified for recreational diving.
What is the difference between Epix Gen 2 and Epix Pro?
The Epix Pro (released mid-2023) adds an LED flashlight, slightly improved GPS, and the Elevate v4+ sensor. The display and battery are identical.
Does the Epix Gen 2 support music storage?
Yes, it can store up to 2,000 songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer (requires subscription).
How accurate is the GPS on the Epix Gen 2?
With multi-band GNSS (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo), accuracy is within 2–3 meters in open areas and about 5–10 meters in dense urban or forested environments.
Can I still buy the Epix Gen 2 new?
Yes, from third-party retailers like Amazon, REI, and B&H Photo while stock lasts. Garmin no longer sells it directly. Prices have dropped significantly — often under $500 for the base model.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.