The Suunto 9 is better for hardcore athletes and endurance sports like ultra marathons or multi-day events. The ultra long battery life, rugged build and advanced performance metrics make it ideal for extreme training. But for versatility as both a smartwatch and sports watch, the Suunto 7 is the better pick. With the connectivity, apps and convenience of Wear OS by Google, it can seamlessly transition from work to workouts. The stylish design also makes it great for everyday wear. So the Suunto 9 edges out for pure sports functionality while the Suunto 7 strikes the best balance for a fitness smartwatch. Go with the Suunto 7 if you want both style and sports tracking on one device. But pick the Suunto 9 if you primarily want an ultra high-end training watch.