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Head to Head

Coros Apex 4 vs Garmin Fenix 9 Pro Solar

Both reach max-tier training analytics, but the Fenix 9 Pro Solar adds a titanium case and a solar display rated for up to 291 days of battery life in saver mode, for $670 more than the Apex 4.

Coros Apex 4Coros

Coros Apex 4

4.1
Best Value Overall
Garmin Fenix 9 Pro SolarGarmin

Garmin Fenix 9 Pro Solar

4.7
57-Day Solar Battery
$429
Lower price
MSRP
$1099
Semi-Smart
Watch Type
Bare-Bones GPS
Maximum Depth
Training Data
Maximum Depth
iOS & Android
Phone
iOS & Android
4.1
Rating
4.7
Higher rated
65 hrs
Longer battery
GPS Battery Life
32 hrs*
Dual-Band
GPS
Dual-Band
64g
Lighter
Weight
84g
42/46mm
Case Size
47/51mm
Yes
Wrist Calls
Yes
Yes
Offline Maps
Yes
Local files only
Offline Music
Spotify/Amazon Music
More music options
5 ATM
Water Resistance
10 ATM
More water resistant
Best Value Overall
Notable For
57-Day Solar Battery
Best For
  • •You want max-tier training analytics without paying flagship Garmin pricing
  • •Multi-month solar battery life isn't something you need
  • •You want Garmin's titanium build and industry-leading solar battery life
  • •$670 more is worth it for the refinement and battery longevity
The Full Story

The Apex 4 delivers much of what a Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970 offers for training depth and durability, at a noticeably lower price. Smart features are minimal by design, but the core running and trail tracking is excellent.

Announced August 25, 2026, the Fenix 9 Pro Solar swaps the Fenix 9 Pro's bright AMOLED screen for a transflective MIP display ringed with solar cells, stretching battery life to roughly 57 days in normal use and up to 291 days in battery saver with steady sunlight. Everything else, titanium case, 64GB storage, Elevate 5 sensor with ECG, speaker and mic, and optional inReach, carries over from the AMOLED Pro.

*Estimated — this model's exact GPS battery life isn't published by the manufacturer. All figures are standard GPS mode, midsize case, no solar boost.

†Estimated — this model launched too recently to have an established customer rating yet.

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