Garmin’s Fenix 7X LED flashlight proved its value 4 years later

Garmin’s LED flashlight looked like a gimmick when it debuted on the Fenix 7X in 2022. Four years later, a TechRadar running-watch expert says the feature has become one of the most useful parts of the company’s smartwatches.

The multi-LED light proved convenient for finding cables at night without turning on the main light or reaching for a phone. It also helped illuminate darker sections of nighttime running routes, the way home from the gym, and DIY work where using a phone was awkward.

Garmin’s implementation offers white and red light, a strobe mode, and an option to match the runner’s cadence. Garmin Connect can also set up a distress mode that displays emergency contact information while flashing an SOS pattern.

Other smartwatch makers have adopted the idea. Suunto, Coros, Amazfit, and Polar now offer watches with built-in lights, including the Suunto Vertical 2, Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, and Polar Street X. The feature is mainly found on larger, more rugged watches because it requires additional space, although Garmin has added it to slimmer Forerunner and Venu models.

Using the flashlight alongside GPS or other sensors reduces battery life. The expert suggests future improvements could include deeper safety integration, a UV mode, and brighter illumination. Apple Watch Ultra models still do not include a built-in flashlight.