Garmin S70 vs Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire Comparison

Key Takeaways

• The Garmin S70 has slightly better golf features than the Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire because it has a virtual caddie with a new shot dispersion chart and it also comes with Swing Tempo monitoring for your recorded shots and TruSwing sensor compatibility. Read this article for more info on how the Garmin s70 compares to its predecessor, the s62: Garmin S70 vs S62 comparison and review.
• Both the Garmin S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire have a really bright and large 1.4-inch AMOLED display.
• The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire is more durable than the S70 because it has a sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and titanium back cover while the S70 only has a gorilla glass lens, ceramic bezel, and stainless steel rear cover.
• The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire carries a larger battery, giving it a longer life than the S70. The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire offers 82 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 31 days in smartwatch mode and 82 hours in GPS mode while the Garmin S70 has 20 hours in GPS mode and 16 days in smartwatch mode.
• The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire has better sensors than the S70 and it has more running and hiking features such as an LED flashlight, finish time estimator, pacing strategies, and topographical maps. All of these additional features make it one of the most accurate golf fitness watches for running and hiking.

Garmin S70 vs Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire

In this head-to-head comparison between two of Garmin’s flagship multisport GPS smartwatches, we’ll scrutinize how the Garmin Approach S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire stack up across all the metrics that matter most to athletes, outdoorsmen, and active users.

By the end, you’ll know whether the S70’s extra golf features outshine the Epix’s durability and additional running, hiking, and cycling features.

You’ll discover if the Epix’s extensive navigation and training features justify its higher price tag compared to the S70’s golf prowess and stylish form.

We’ll uncover which wearable is the right fit for your active lifestyle – so you can pick the winner with confidence.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this Garmin faceoff:

• Accuracy – Which tracks metrics with greater precision?

• Durability – Which is built tougher to handle abuse?

• Display – Does vivid color trump outdoor visibility?

• Battery Life – Which watch lasts longer between charges?

• Sports Tracking – How do features for running, golf, and more stack up?

• Smart Features – Which makes a better smartwatch?

• Safety – Which provides the edge for outdoor protection?

Comparison Chart

Features and Specifications	Garmin Approach S70 Learn More	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire Learn More
Release Date	May 2023	May 2023
Suggested Retail Price	$699.99	$1099.99
Display Type	AMOLED (Optional Always-On Mode)	AMOLED (Optional Always-On Mode)
Display Size	1.4" diameter	1.4" diameter
Display resolution	454 x 454 pixels	454 x 454 pixels
Weight	56 grams	70 grams
Watch Case Width X Length x Thickness	47 x 47 x 13.4 mm	51 x 51 x 15.0 mm
Water Rating	5 ATM	10 ATM
Slope compensated distances (PlaysLike)	Yes	Yes
Virtual Caddie Club Recommendations	Yes	Yes
LED Flashlight	No	Yes
Realtime Stamina	No	Yes
Endurance Score	No	Yes
Hill Score	No	Yes
Training Readiness	No	Yes
Race Finish Time Predictor	No	Yes
Daily Suggested Workouts	No	Yes
Pacing Strategies	No	Yes
Breadcrumb Trail in Real Time	No	Yes
Preloaded Topographical Maps	No	Yes
Preloaded Road and Trail Maps	No	Yes
Preloaded Ski Resort Maps	No	Yes
Built-in Speaker and Microphone	No	No
Make and Receive Phone calls	No	No
Send text messages	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Receive text messages	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)	Yes (with your iPhone or Android phone nearby)
Listen to Spotify or Amazon Music playlist without phone	Yes	Yes
Memory Storage	32 GB (stores up to 2000 songs)	32 GB (stores up to 2000 songs)
43,000+ Preloaded Golf Course Maps	Yes	Yes
Full Vector Course Maps	Yes	Yes
Zoomable aerial views of each hole	Yes	Yes
Distances to greens and hazards	Yes	Yes
Digital Scorecard	Yes	Yes
Stat tracking	Yes	Yes
Shot Tracking	Yes	Yes
Club Tracking	Yes	Yes
Strokes Gained Analysis	Yes	Yes
Swing Tempo Metrics	Yes	No
Tempo Training App	Yes	No
Blind Shot Compass	Yes	Yes
Call emergency services with Emergency SOS	No	Yes
Wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor	Yes	Yes
Underwater Heart Rate	No	Yes
Blood oxygen saturation level readings	Yes	Yes
VO2 Max	Yes	No
Interval Training	Yes	No
Virtual Running Partner	Yes	No
Incident Detection for Certain Outdoor Activities	Yes	Yes
Step counter (Pedometer)	Yes	Yes
Sleep monitor	Yes	Yes
Running Metrics	Yes	Yes
Cycling Metrics	Yes	Yes
Open Water Swimming Metrics	No	Yes
Pool Swimming Metrics	Yes	Yes
Skiing Metrics	Yes	Yes
Hiking Metrics	Yes	Yes
Lens Material	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	sapphire crystal
Bezel Material	ceramic bezel	titanium
Watch band material	silicone	silicone
Battery life	Smartwatch mode: 10 days GPS Mode: 15 hours	Smartwatch mode: Up to 31 days GPS mode: Up to 82 hours
Case material	fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel rear cover	fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover

Display Showdown – Identical Visuals

With identical AMOLED technology, resolution, size and pixel density, the S70 and Epix Gen 2 are completely evenly matched when it comes to their vivid displays. There is no clear winner – it’s a tie.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Display Technology	Yes	Yes
Resolution	Yes	Yes
Display Size	Yes	Yes
Pixel Density	Yes	Yes
Bezel Size	Yes	Yes
Outdoor Visibility	Yes	Yes

Display Technology

The S70 and Epix Gen 2 both utilize vivid AMOLED display technology for eye-popping color and contrast. This enables vibrant data visualizations and app experiences.

Resolution

With an identical 454 x 454 pixel resolution, both watches pack 326 pixels per inch for crisp and detailed screen rendering given the 35mm diameter.

Display Size

At 1.4″ (35mm), the S70 and Epix Gen 2 share the same display size resulting in an equivalent viewing area and canvas.

Pixel Density

Since the resolution and display size are equal, the S70 and Epix Gen 2 achieve the same pixel density for matched sharpness when displaying maps, data, notifications, etc.

Bezel Size

Both watches have a slim bezel that maximizes the display viewing area.

Outdoor Visibility

Due to the AMOLED technology, both suffer from glare in direct sunlight compared to a transflective display. They are evenly matched for outdoor visibility.

Accuracy – Packed with Precision Sensors

When it comes to tracking accuracy, the S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 are evenly matched thanks to their robust array of sensors that capture data with precision both indoors and outdoors:

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
GPS/GLONASS/Galileo	Yes	Yes
Multi-band GPS	Yes	Yes
Pulse Ox Sensor	Yes	Yes
Wrist-based Elevate Heart Rate	Yes	Yes
Barometric Altimeter	Yes	Yes
Electronic Compass	Yes	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes	Yes
Thermometer	No	Yes

• GPS/GLONASS/Galileo – Using multiple global navigation satellite systems provides accurate tracking of pace, distance and route for activities like running, cycling, and hiking.

• Multi-band GPS – By using multiple frequencies like L1, L2, and L5, positioning is more accurate under tree cover or in urban areas where signals can be compromised. Critical for trails.

• Pulse Ox Sensor – This optical sensor measures blood oxygen saturation during sleep and altitude acclimation. Useful for health insights and adjusting to elevation.

• Wrist-based Elevate Heart Rate – Using LED lights, this technology detects blood volume changes just under the skin to monitor heart rate 24/7. Helpful for calorie burn, intensity, recovery, sleep, and more.

• Barometric Altimeter – Measures precise elevation data via air pressure for hiking, skiing, climbing, and weather trends. Provides ascent/descent stats.

• Electronic Compass – Tracks your heading/orientation in real-time. Handy when navigating trails without clear paths.

• Gyroscope – Senses rotational movement and orientation. Allows tracking of reps, strokes, and more. Also enables gesture control.

• Accelerometer – Measures linear movement and vibration. Enables tracking steps, intensity minutes, elevation, reps, and more.

• Thermometer – Exclusive to the Epix Pro Gen 2, it gauges environmental temperature. Helpful when assessing weather conditions.

With this impressive array of sensors, the S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 deliver excellent accuracy across activities, health metrics, and environmental data – whether on the trail, in the gym, or 24/7.

Durability – Withstanding the Outdoor Elements

When you’re constantly active outdoors, your watch needs to be able to take some abuse. Here’s how the S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 compare in ruggedness:

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Lens Material	Gorilla Glass 3	Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Ceramic	Titanium
Case Material	Reinforced Polymer	Reinforced Polymer with Titanium Rear
Water Rating	5 ATM	10 ATM

Lens Material

The Epix Gen 2 uses ultra-durable sapphire crystal glass, which is extremely scratch resistant. The S70 relies on Gorilla Glass 3, which is less hardy and prone to scratches from outdoor use.

• Scratch Resistance – The Epix Gen 2’s sapphire crystal scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely scratch resistant. The S70’s Gorilla Glass 3 scores a 6-7, meaning it’s 3x more prone to scratching from rocks, branches, and gear while hiking and climbing.

• Altitude Resilience – Sapphire glass is less prone to fogging and warping in cold alpine environments compared to Gorilla Glass. Important for mountaineering.

Bezel Material

The S70 utilizes a ceramic bezel, which looks sleek but can shatter on impacts. The Epix Gen 2 uses a titanium bezel that is lightweight yet nearly indestructible – critical for adventures.

• Impact Resistance – The titanium bezel on the Epix Gen 2 is practically indestructible, able to withstand falls and bumps during rugged activities. The ceramic bezel on the S70 risks shattering if knocked against stone or gear.

Case Material

Both utilze a reinforced polymer case for lightweight durability. However, the Epix Gen 2 uses titanium for the rear case, providing enhanced impact resistance especially for bumps and impacts on the watch body.

Water Rating

With a 10 ATM rating, the Epix Gen 2 can be submerged deeper (100 meters) than the S70’s 5 ATM rating (50 meters). With a 10 ATM rating, the Epix Gen 2 can safely be used for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and other water sports. The S70’s 5 ATM rating makes it unsuitable for such underwater activities.

When you tally up the lens hardness, bezel material, case construction, and waterproof ratings – the Epix Gen 2 emerges as the more durable outdoor watch.

So for hiking, climbing, mountaineering and other outdoor pursuits that require a watch that can withstand heavy usage outdoors, the Epix Gen 2’s sapphire lens, titanium bezel and enhanced casing make it the clear durability winner over the S70 when adventures demand resilience. It’s built to better handle scrapes, cracks, impacts, and underwater adventures over the long haul.

Battery Operating Modes – Keep Going All Day Outdoors

Neither the Garmin S70 or the Epix Gen 2 comes with a solar charging lens that allows them to absorb sunlight and extend battery life during activities. A major plus for hikers and climbers.

When you’re hiking all day or running remote trails, battery life is critical. Here’s how the S70 and Epix Gen 2 compare:

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
GPS Mode	20 hours	82 hours
Max Battery GPS Mode	N/A	145 hours
Expedition GPS Mode	N/A	27 days

• GPS Mode – With only GPS tracking enabled, the Epix Gen 2 can last up to 82 hours (over 3 days). The S70 manages only 20 hours with GPS before needing a recharge.

• Max Battery GPS Mode – For ultra races and multi-day expeditions, the Epix Gen 2 has a dedicated long-life GPS mode lasting up to 145 hours (over 6 days). The S70 lacks an extreme battery saver option.

• Expedition GPS Mode – Trekking for weeks in the backcountry? The Epix Gen 2 can operate in low-power expedition mode for up to 27 days. Extreme endurance covered.

Longer Battery Life in a Larger Battery Size

The Epix Gen 2 bests the S70 when it comes to battery life thanks to its larger size and battery capacity. The Epix Gen 2’s case measures 51 x 51 x 15.0 mm compared to the smaller 47 x 47 x 13.4 mm of the S70’s case.

At 88 grams with a titanium rear cover, the Epix Gen 2 weighs nearly 40% more than the 56 grams S70. This increased size and heft allows Garmin to pack a vastly larger battery into the Epix Pro Gen 2.

For example, in full GPS mode, the Epix Gen 2 can operate for up to 82 hours continuously. The S70 lasts just 20 hours.

Using multiple satellite systems like GPS + GLONASS simultaneously drains more battery, reducing the Epix Gen 2 runtime to 62 hours – still nearly triple the S70’s max duration.

Playing music from the watch also eats into battery reserves. But the Epix Gen 2 still achieves 17 hours while using multiple satellite systems and playing music vs the S70’s 20 hours while only using the GPS satellite system without music.

So while the S70 offers a more compact and lightweight design, the Epix Gen 2 trades size for far superior battery capacity – providing extended runtimes for outdoor activities where battery life is essential.

Golf Features Comparison – S70 Barely Wins

Garmin S70 Virtual CaddieLearn MoreWith robust course management, performance tracking, swing analysis, and connectivity features, both the S70 and Epix Gen 2 provide golfers with technologies to lower scores and analyze their game. However, while both deliver a phenomenal golfing experience from tee to green, the S70 stands out as the choice for golfers specifically looking to analyze and improve their swing mechanics. For its mix of tracking features plus swing feedback, the S70 gets the nod for comprehensive golf performance.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Smart Connected Features	Yes	Yes
Swing Analysis with Swing Tempo Feedback and TruSwing sensor (must be purchased separately)	Yes	No
Course Database	Yes	Yes
Smart Course Navigation	Yes	Yes
Dialed Yardages	Yes	Yes
Course Management	Yes	Yes
Automatic Shot Tracking	Yes	Yes
Digital Scoring and Stats	Yes	Yes

Smart Connected Features

When connected to the Garmin Golf app, the Virtual Caddie feature uses previous shots, the wind speed and direction, and elevation to recommend the appropriate club for each shot. The Garmin S70 comes with an improved Virtual Caddie that comes with a shot dispersion chart
that shows the dispersion of shots for each recommended club.

Green Contour data requires a premium subscription and will provide elevation details for the puttering green so that you can figure out which way your putt will break.

Swing Analysis with Swing Tempo Feedback and TruSwing sensor (must be purchased separately)

However, the S70 pulls ahead for swing analysis and improvement. Thanks to its Swing Tempo metrics, the S70 helps you develop an optimal swing cadence and ratio by measuring your backswing tempo and providing feedback for refinement. And when paired with Garmin’s TruSwing sensor, the S70 provides even more detailed club and swing metrics to help perfect your form.

Course Database

With over 43,000 courses preloaded worldwide, both watches provide mapped yardages and hole details to greens, hazards, doglegs and other targets for an extensive global course database accessible right from your wrist.

Smart Course Navigation

Full color hole maps show hazards, targets, and terrain. PinPointer arrows guide you directly to the pin on blind shots. The touch targeting function enables quickly tapping the map to see precise distances to any location.

Dialed Yardages

By displaying precise pinpoint yardages to the front, middle, and back of every green adjusted for your position, these watches enable dialing in smarter club selection and approach shots giving you distance confidence. Additional layup and dogleg distances further enhance course strategy and shot decisions.

Course Management

Hazard view feature with distances to all of the hazards for each hole, precise yardages to doglegs, layups and greens, and PlaysLike Distance feature accounting for elevation changes give you distance confidence and smarter planning.

Automatic Shot Tracking

Using AutoShot tracking, each and every shot’s distance is automatically detected and recorded for post-round analysis of distances and club gaps. Mapping shows your shot pattern in relation to the hole. This helps you understand tendencies and areas needing improvement.

Digital Scoring and Stats

The built-in digital scorecard eliminates the need for paper scoring while recording key stats like putts, greens in regulation, fairways hit, putts per round, and club averages. This statistical snapshots helps you determine strengths, weaknesses and improvement areas.

Running Features – Reaching Your Potential

With advanced training analysis, running dynamics, climb insights, pacing tools, activity profiles, Hill Score, custom workouts, running power, and lactate threshold, the Epix Gen 2 provides serious runners with the advanced metrics, guidance, and customization needed to maximize performance gains.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Running Activity Profiles	Yes	Yes
Training Analysis	Yes	Yes
Running Dynamics	No	Yes
Pacing Strategies	No	Yes
Hill Insights	No	Yes
Walk/Run Guidance	No	Yes
Workout Integration	No	Yes
Running Power	No	Yes
Lactate Threshold	No	Yes

Running Activity Profiles

Both watches contain built-in activity profiles for running on roads, trails, treadmills and indoor tracks with GPS tracking of pace, distance and route during outdoor runs. However, the Epix Gen 2 also includes profiles tailored specifically for virtual runs where GPS data controls avatars and ultra runs for distances beyond the marathons.

Training Analysis

While both devices provide VO2 max estimation and recovery time advisors, the Epix Gen 2 takes training analysis much further with features like training load, training status, training effect, and performance condition metrics.

Running Dynamics

Exclusive to the Epix Gen 2, running dynamics showcase metrics like cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length to help analyze and perfect your form.

Pacing Strategies

The PacePro feature on the Epix Gen 2 provides grade-adjusted guidance and customized pacing strategies based on the actual route’s ascents and descents to optimize pacing efficiency and effort.

Hill Insights

With its Hill Score metric, the Epix Gen 2 rates the difficulty of trail runs by calculating the ascent, descent and elevation changes of a trail run to help assess climbs up hills.

Walk/Run Guidance

Using wrist-based accelerometer data, the Epix Gen 2 can automatically detect when you switch between walking and running during an activity, while providing guidance to optimize the transitions.

Workout Integration

The Epix Gen 2 allows creating and downloading structured workouts that guide you through intervals, rests, reps and varied intensities for custom coaching right on your wrist.

Running Power

When paired with accessory sensors, the Epix Gen 2 displays real-time running power metrics allowing you to track wattage effectiveness and progress.

Lactate Threshold

Using gameplay tests, the Epix Gen 2 helps determine lactate threshold heart rate zones for targeting effective cardio training paces and intensities.

Hiking Features – Trek Confidently on and off the Beaten Path

While both watches deliver core hiking metrics, the Epix Gen 2 provides unmatched routefinding, mapping, and environmental guidance making it the definitive trail companion for hikers venturing on and off the beaten path.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Elevation Tracking	Yes	Yes
On-Watch LED Flashlight	No	Yes
Point-to-Point Navigation	No	Yes
Breadcrumb Trail	No	Yes
Storm Alerts	No	Yes
Topographical Mapping	No	Yes
ClimbPro Ascent Planning	No	Yes

Elevation Tracking

Both the S70 and Epix Gen 2 provide total ascent and descent data based on the barometric altimeter and GPS for tracking your elevation gains and losses during hikes.

On-Watch LED Flashlight

With its built-in LED flashlight featuring adjustable intensities and a rear safety light, the Epix Gen 2 allows illuminating trails and seeing displays in low light conditions for early morning or nighttime hiking visibility.

Point-to-Point Navigation

The Epix Gen 2 provides point-to-point routing for uploading hikes and trails with turn-by-turn directions guiding you the entire way on your wrist.

Breadcrumb Trail

To prevent getting lost if you wander off trail, the Epix Gen 2’s Breadcrumb feature tracks your path in real-time so you can backtrack it if needed.

Storm Alerts

For safety, the Epix Gen 2 provides alerts if it detects significant pressure drops that typically correlate with inclement weather on the horizon.

Topographical Mapping

Preloaded TOPO, ski resort and road maps available on the Epix Gen 2 detail contours, landscapes, and elevation for advanced navigation, planning, and situational awareness.

ClimbPro Ascent Planning

By breaking ascents into smaller sections, the Epix Gen 2’s ClimbPro feature helps you gauge your pace and progress when summiting major climbs and peaks.

Cycling Features – Ride Harder and Farther

While both provide solid ride tracking, the Epix Gen 2 opens up far greater customization, connectivity, navigation, power analysis, and insights for enthusiasts to maximize cycling performance gains.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Cycling Activity Profiles	Yes	Yes
Sensor Connectivity	No	Yes
Power Analysis	No	Yes
Real-time Mapping	No	Yes
Cycling Dynamics	No	Yes
Performance Insights	No	Yes

Cycling Activity Profiles

While both devices contain basic cycling activity profiles, the Epix Gen 2 also includes additional profiles tailored for gravel riding, bike commuting, eBiking, cyclocross, and triathlon training.

Sensor Connectivity

Only the Epix Gen 2 is compatible with bike lights, rear radar, cycling metrics sensors, and power meters to capture additional performance data and enhance awareness.

Power Analysis

With power meter compatibility, the Epix Gen 2 unlocks wattage tracking, FTP estimation, and power curve workouts to take your training to the next level.

Real-time Mapping

With its routable cycling maps, the Epix Gen 2 displays street mapping optimized specifically for bike trails and roads for staying oriented.

Cycling Dynamics

When paired with Vector pedals, the Epix Gen 2 unlocks tracking advanced cycling dynamics metrics for a deeper analysis of technique and mechanics.

Performance Insights

Features like lap power maximums, race an activity against past efforts, grit and flow trail ratings, and ClimbPro ascent tracking further help analyze and improve cycling.

Swimming Features – Pool to Open Water

For tracking the basics in the pool, the S70 and Epix Gen 2 are matched in their capabilities to count lengths, detect strokes, time intervals, and monitor underwater heart rate. Both provide essential pool swim data.

With open water support, drill logging, interval training tools, workout integration, and external heart rate connectivity, the Epix Gen 2 provides swimmers with the advanced features to take their training to the next level.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Pool Swimming Features	Yes	Yes
Open Water Swimming Profile	No	Yes
Drill Logging	No	Yes
Interval Training	No	Yes
Workout Integration	No	Yes
Heart Rate Connectivity	No	Yes
Open Water Metrics	No	Yes

Pool Swimming Features Found in Both the S70 and Epix Gen 2

With the pool swimming activity profile, both watches can track key metrics like:

• Lengths, distance, pace, stroke count and calories burned to quantify your workout performance.

• Swolf score combines stroke count and time for an efficiency rating – lower is better.

• Stroke type detection recognizes freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly to log your breakdown of lengths for each stroke.

• The basic rest timer can be manually started during interval training to time your rests between sets.

• Alerts can be set for distance, time or pace to notify you when reaching targets.

• Underwater wrist-based heart rate uses the optical sensor to monitor heart rate during swims while submerged.

Open Water Swimming Profile

While both have a pool swimming activity mode, the Epix Gen 2 also contains a dedicated open water swimming profile with GPS-based tracking.

Drill Logging

Exclusive to the Epix Gen 2, drill logging allows tracking kick sets, pulls, and swimming drills with customized data pages.

Interval Training

Smart features like auto rest, repeat on rest timers, and pacing alerts allow dialing in your rest intervals when training in the pool.

Workout Integration

Preloaded structured pool swim workouts can guide your training on the Epix Gen 2 for added coaching and motivation.

Heart Rate Connectivity

The Epix Gen 2 pairs with external swim-friendly heart rate monitors for greater data collection during swims.

Open Water Metrics

In open water mode, the Epix Gen 2 captures advanced metrics like distance, stroke count and rate, and swim efficiency.

Health & Wellness Tracking – Your Daily Wellbeing Companion

With 24/7 health metrics, sleep tracking, hydration reminders, women’s health, and stress features, both watches are equally equipped to monitor wellness and provide a holistic view of your physical condition. The capabilities are mostly identical, except that the S70 stands out with its relaxation reminders for greater stress management.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
24/7 Heart Rate	Yes	Yes
Respiration Tracking	Yes	Yes
Pulse Ox Sensor	Yes	Yes
Body Battery	Yes	Yes
Sleep Monitoring	Yes	Yes
Hydration Tracking	Yes	Yes
Women’s Health	Yes	Yes
Relaxation Features	Yes	No

24/7 Heart Rate

Both watches provide 24/7 heart rate monitoring including abnormal rate alerts and resting heart rate trends. This enables steady heart health tracking.

Respiration Tracking

The respiration rate tracking in both devices lets you monitor your breathing patterns during sleep and daily wear. This can indicate health issues.

Pulse Ox Sensor

This optical sensor measures blood oxygen saturation during sleep and altitude changes. It reveals sleep quality, altitude acclimation, and overall health insights.

Body Battery

This feature tracks your energy levels throughout the day so you can find the best times for activity and rest. Optimizing your body battery promotes recovery.

Sleep Monitoring

By tracking sleep stages, movement and heart rate, both watches deliver comprehensive sleep analytics and scores to help improve sleep quality.

Hydration Tracking

The hydration tracking in both devices serves as a helpful reminder to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Women’s Health

For female users, the menstrual cycle tracking on both watches provides insights into phases, symptoms, and patterns to enhance women’s health awareness.

Relaxation Features

While both watches provide guided breathing activities to help manage stress, the S70 uniquely offers relaxation reminders for greater mindfulness.

Daily Smart Features – Connected Convenience

Both watches share robust connectivity through WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+; receive smartphone notifications when paired; store and play music; enable contactless payments through Garmin Pay; and sync data to the Garmin Connect app. The Garmin S70 and Epix Gen 2 share an identical set of daily smart features including:

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Connectivity	Yes	Yes
Customization	Yes	Yes
Notifications	Yes	Yes
Music	Yes	Yes
Convenience	Yes	Yes
Syncing	Yes	Yes
Extended Battery Modes	No	Yes
Controls	No	Yes
Visibility Optimization	No	Yes

Connectivity

Both watches have WiFi, Bluetooth and ANT+ to connect to smartphones and sensors for notifications, syncing, music, and more.

Customization

The Connect IQ store allows downloading additional watch faces, apps, and widgets to customize the experience on both devices.

Notifications

When paired with your smartphone, you can receive alerts, texts, calls and more right on your wrist from both watches.

Music

With music storage and playback controls, you can listen to playlists from either watch without your phone.

Convenience

Lost device locating, weather, calendar, Garmin Pay, and other handy smart features are matched across both the S70 and Epix Gen 2.

Syncing

Real-time syncing with the Garmin Connect app enables automatic data uploads and settings adjustments on both devices.

Both deliver core smartwatch capabilities, while the Epix Gen 2 provides some bonus features like extended battery modes, device controls, and display optimization for specific use cases.

Extended Battery Modes

Exclusive to the Epix Gen 2, the customizable battery saver watch mode disables certain features to extend battery life in a low power state. This provides basic timekeeping when away from chargers.

Controls

The Epix Gen 2 allows controlling VIRB action cameras, bike lights/radar, and smart trainers – handy for creators and cyclists.

Visibility Optimization

Through its exclusive Red Shift mode, the Epix Gen 2 adjusts screen hue for better visibility at night or in dark environments.

Safety & Tracking – Visibility On and Off the Grid

While the core incident detection and LiveTrack features are matched, the Epix Gen 2 pulls ahead with the benefits of Group LiveTrack and Live Event Sharing for training partners and virtual spectators.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Incident Detection	Yes	Yes
Live Assistance	Yes	Yes
LiveTrack Real-Time Tracking	Yes	Yes
Group Coordination	No	Yes
Live Event Sharing	No	Yes

Incident Detection

Both watches can automatically detect incidents like falls or crashes during certain activities and trigger alerts on your paired phone to notify emergency contacts. This provides peace of mind when training solo.

Live Assistance

If an incident is detected, the assistance feature on both models initiates a live tracking link sent to emergency contacts to easily locate you and send help if needed. This could be life-saving after an accident.

LiveTrack Real-Time Tracking

With LiveTrack on both watches, chosen friends and family can view your real-time location and activity progress online for added security when training alone. Useful if you don’t return on time.

While both provide core incident detection and live tracking, the Epix Gen 2 does more for group coordination and live monitoring during challenging solo and team pursuits.

Group Coordination

Exclusive to the Epix Gen 2, Group LiveTrack allows tracking multiple people simultaneously during activities for improved coordination and safety in numbers.

Live Event Sharing

Also unique to the Epix Gen 2, this lets chosen followers view your real-time event participation virtually like spectating a race. More immersive for remote viewers.

Activity Tracking – Keeping You Motivated to Move

When it comes to all-day activity tracking and motivation features, the Garmin S70 and Epix Gen 2 are identically equipped with step counting, adaptive goals, full metrics, TrueUp, Move IQ, and challenges. There are no differences between the two in core activity tracking capabilities.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Step Counting	Yes	Yes
Reminders	Yes	Yes
Adaptive Goals	Yes	Yes
All-Day Tracking	Yes	Yes
TrueUp and Move IQ	Yes	Yes
Challenges	Yes	Yes

Step Counting

Both devices use an accelerometer to provide 24/7 step counting so you can monitor your daily movement trends and work towards step goals.

Reminders

When you’ve been inactive too long, move alerts displaying on both watches prompt you to get up and walk around, encouraging regular movement.

Adaptive Goals

An automatic personalized daily step goal that adapts based on your activity level is generated on both watches to keep you motivated day-to-day.

All-Day Tracking

From calories burned to floors climbed and intensity minutes earned, the S70 and Epix Gen 2 provide comprehensive all-day activity tracking.

TrueUp and Move IQ

With TrueUp, activities from other Garmin devices sync to both watches for complete tracking. Move IQ also auto-detects activities on both watches.

Challenges

Optional Garmin Connect challenges let you compete against connections on steps, exercise minutes, and more for extra motivation.

Gym & Fitness Features – Optimized Indoor Training

With matched features like animated guidance, muscle maps, and auto rep counting, both watches provide in-depth training profiles and data. But the Epix Gen 2 adds specialty modes for boxing and MMA when using those watches for CrossFit-style workouts.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Activity Profiles	Yes	Yes
Animated Guidance	Yes	Yes
Muscle Heat Maps	Yes	Yes
Rep Counting	Yes	Yes
Additional Profiles for Epix Gen 2	No	Yes

Activity Profiles

Both watches contain dedicated activity profiles for strength, cardio, HIIT, yoga, pilates, rowing, stair stepping, and more with customized data pages.

Animated Guidance

On-screen animations demonstrate proper form and movements for exercises during strength, cardio, yoga and pilates activities on both devices.

Muscle Heat Maps

These graphics display which muscle groups are engaged during strength workouts on both watches to monitor and adjust form.

Rep Counting

The auto rep counting feature automatically counts and logs reps during strength training sets on both devices for easier tracking.

Additional Profiles for Epix Gen 2

The Epix Gen 2 includes extra on-watch activity profiles tailored for boxing and mixed martial arts workouts.

Outdoor Adventure Features – Off the Beaten Path

While both provide solid tracking for core activities, the Epix Gen 2 excels for adventurers wanting extra sports modes, navigation, performance insights, and environmental context when venturing off the beaten path.

Feature	Garmin S70	Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire
Core Activity Profiles	Yes	Yes
Total Ascent/Descent	Yes	Yes
Expanded Activity Modes for Epix Pro Gen 2	No	Yes
Navigation & Mapping	No	Yes
Environmental Insight	No	Yes

Core Activity Profiles

Both watches include activity profiles for hiking, climbing, paddling, mountain biking, skiing, and more to track metrics like GPS, distance, and elevation during outdoor sports.

Total Ascent/Descent

Using the built-in altimeter, total ascent and descent data is calculated on both devices for hikes, climbs, and other sports.

Expanded Activity Modes for Epix Pro Gen 2

Exclusive to the Epix Gen 2 are additional outdoor profiles like surfing, sailing, motocross, and more – over 40 extra activities! This allows tailoring data pages for each sport.

Navigation & Mapping

Robust navigation with point-to-point routing, performance monitoring with ClimbPro ascent tracking, and downloadable TOPO/ski maps are unique advantages of the Epix Gen 2.

Environmental Insight

Storm alerts, sun/moon rise and set times, Xero laser location sharing, and tide data provide greater environmental awareness on the Epix Gen 2.

Final Verdict – Epix Pro Gen 2 Edges Out the S70

When comparing these premium Garmin multisport watches, both the S70 and Epix Pro Gen 2 boast impressive specifications and features. But which reigns supreme in the end?

Garmin S70 Strengths

• Attractive slimmer design with vivid AMOLED display
• Best-in-class golf tracking and swing analytics
• Robust health/wellness insights
• Lower $699.99 price point

Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Advantages

• Bright AMOLED display
• Rugged titanium and sapphire construction for outdoor protection
• Vastly more outdoor activity profiles and navigation
• In-depth training features like ClimbPro and PacePro

For golfers wanting robust swing metrics and stylish aesthetics, the S70 warrants a look, especially if found at a discount.

But for outdoor adventurers, endurance athletes, and fitness enthusiasts wanting the ultimate multisport watch, the Epix Gen 2 edges out the win. Despite the higher $1099.99 price, its super bright display, rugged build, expansive sport profiles, and turn-by-turn navigation make it the ideal fitness companion for life’s varied adventures.