A technology journalist has declared he is unlikely to return to the Apple Watch after spending a full year with a rival device. Christopher Harper, a technology affiliates writer, published his long-term review of the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 smartwatch on 2nd January 2026, concluding it has fundamentally changed his approach to wearable tech.
Breaking Free from the Smartphone Tether
Harper's shift to Garmin was part of a broader effort in 2025 to disconnect from constant smartphone attachment. He found the Garmin ecosystem better suited to this goal, offering robust functionality without demanding constant interaction. The most transformative difference, however, was in a fundamental area where many smartwatches falter.
The battery life offered by the Epix Pro was a revelation. He criticised most modern smartwatches for poor endurance, naming his previous Apple Watch Ultra as a prime example where appealing screens and internals led to rapid battery drain. In contrast, his Garmin reliably delivers weeks of use on a single charge.
A Feature-Packed Fitness Powerhouse
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 he tested boasts an always-on AMOLED display, a sapphire lens, and a titanium bezel. Harper opted for the 51mm model for its superior battery. Beyond its rugged build, the watch is packed with advanced health and fitness tools.
These include detailed tracking for heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, and specialised metrics like Hill and Endurance Scores. It also features multi-band GPS for pinpoint accuracy and pre-loaded maps. A surprising standout feature was the built-in LED flashlight.
"Never did I think that a built-in flashlight would be useful, I was wrong," Harper noted. He used it for navigating his home at night, finding lost items, and enabling safe night runs without a headlamp.
Weighing the Pros and Cons After 12 Months
His comprehensive review outlined clear advantages and some drawbacks. On the positive side, he praised the amazing battery life, stating that with the always-on display disabled, he easily achieves three weeks of use. The fitness tracking was deemed brilliant, with seamless integration for downloading running routes from Strava and Spotify playlists.
GPS accuracy during runs was flawless in his experience. However, he acknowledged the Garmin interface feels somewhat dated compared to competitors, and he encountered a significant software crash once during an 11km run, where data failed to save immediately.
The device is positioned more as a sophisticated fitness tracker than a full smartwatch. For users deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, Harper suggested considering an Apple Watch SE or the Ultra 3. He also highlighted that the Epix Pro can be expensive, though it is currently on a significant sale.
The Final Verdict and Where to Buy
Despite the minor software hiccup and learning curve, Harper's year-long verdict was overwhelmingly positive. He described the Epix Pro Gen 2 as an absolute workhorse for fitness tracking, a valuable health tool, and an unexpectedly handy everyday gadget.
For shoppers interested in the model, he pointed out that H Samuel is selling the 47mm version for £369.99, a substantial reduction from its £739.99 starting price. This sale makes the high-end fitness wearable more accessible as we head into the new year.
