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Garmin Fenix 8: ONE MINUTE REVIEW
For the first time, an AMOLED screen is available on a Garmin Fenix, thanks to the Garmin Fenix 8 which unites the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Garmin Epix Pro under one roof. The Garmin Fenix 8 solar still offers the choice of a conventional memory-in-pixel display and features sun charging to extend battery life.
The Fenix 8 has also been upgraded with a new speaker and microphone, as well as a more waterproof construction that can be used for 40-meter dives. Along with improving the watches’ battery life, Garmin also upgraded the UI and navigation functions.
After putting the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm watch through its paces, I can say with certainty that it’s among the best smartwatches for athletes. The majority of the capabilities of the Fenix 8 are still available on older Garmin models, such as the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, which may offer superior value. Likewise, the more reasonably priced Garmin Fenix E, which was released concurrently with the Fenix 8, might be a possibility.
Key Takeaways
- Rugged build with sapphire and titanium
- Multi-band GPS for accuracy
- Health tracking with heart rate and SpO2
- 20-day battery with solar charging
- 100m water resistance (10 ATM)
Garmin Fenix 8: OVERVIEW
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a sturdy, durable device with cutting-edge capabilities that is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. It can withstand harsh conditions thanks to its high-quality construction and scratch-resistant screen.
Description
The Garmin Fenix 8 incorporates features from the Fenix 7 and Epix 2, including a built-in microphone and speaker, a dive-capable design, and an AMOLED display with solar charging. These are my initial thoughts about the watch.Positives
- AMOLED and solar-charging options
- Improved water resistance
- Mic and speaker
- Improved navigation features
Negatives
- More expensive than Fenix 7 Pro range
- Not a huge upgrade on Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro
With its multi-band GPS and sophisticated mapping, the Fenix 8 provides hikers, climbers, and adventurers with accurate navigation. It is compatible with a number of international satellite systems enabling precise tracking in any situation.
Advanced fitness and health data like VO2 max, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and recovery insights are all included in the wristwatch. Because of this, it’s perfect for both recreational users and elite athletes.
Garmin Fenix 8: SPECS
| Specification | Fenix 8 43mm | Fenix 8 47mm | Fenix 8 51mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 43 x 13.8mm | 47 x 13.8mm | 51 x 14.7mm |
| Display | 1.3in 416 x 416 AMOLED | 1.4in 454 x 454 AMOLED | 1.4in 454 x 454 AMOLED |
| Bezel | Steel or titanium | Steel or titanium | Steel or titanium |
| Screen | Glass or sapphire | Glass or sapphire | Glass or sapphire |
| Case weight | 50g steel, 44g titanium | 59g steel, 52g titanium | 74g steel, 64g titanium |
| Water resistance | 10ATM, dive 40m | 10ATM, dive 40m | 10ATM, dive 40m |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery life (watch mode) | 10 days (4 days always-on) | 16 days (7 days always-on) | 29 days (13 days always-on) |
| Battery life (all-systems GPS) | 18 hours | 30 hours | 54 hours |
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar: SPECS
| Specification | Fenix 8 47mm | Fenix 8 51mm |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 47 x 15.2mm | 51 x 15.4mm |
| Display | 1.3in 260 x 260 MIP | 1.4in 280 x 280 MIP |
| Bezel | Titanium | Titanium |
| Screen | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Case weight | 52g | 64g |
| Water resistance | 10ATM, dive 40m | 10ATM, dive 40m |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery life (watch mode) | 21 days (28 days with solar) | 30 days (48 days with solar) |
| Battery life (all-systems GPS) | 48 hours (59 hours with solar) | 68 hours (92 hours with solar) |
A single charge of the Fenix 8 can last for weeks because to its increased battery life and sun charging capabilities. Because of its long-lasting construction, you can go on extended trips knowing that you’ll always have access to power.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Garmin Fenix 8: DESIGN
Even with the titanium variant, the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm watch I’ve been testing is very big and hefty, but you do grow used to the size of the watch even on my narrow wrists. Though it’s important to note that the smaller, lighter 47mm watch has the same size screen as the 51mm, the larger model boasts exceptional battery life for an AMOLED watch. The silicone band that comes with the watch is something I would replace with a lighter Garmin UltraFit nylon band.
The vivid AMOLED display is the same as that of the Epix Pro watch, and I do think it’s a significant improvement over the traditional Garmin screens with memory-in-pixels, especially indoors and outside under cloud or tree cover. The AMOLED screen is still readable in direct sunlight, and if you put on the raise-to-wake option to extend the battery life, the display quickly goes on when you move your wrist.
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With the Fenix 8, you may choose from a variety of new watch faces and greatly personalize the colors and data displayed. Garmin has added more color options specifically with this new watch. The Connect IQ app store allows you to add additional watch faces as well.
The Fenix 8’s new leakproof buttons feel a little different from earlier iterations, but they nonetheless click consistently and satisfyingly, and you get a little haptic buzz when you press one. Although I haven’t used the diving sports modes, I appreciate the improved water resistance.
The watch’s options allow you to turn on the new microphone, or you can configure it as a shortcut so that it will begin recording as soon as you press a button. When you give the Garmin Fenix 8 orders, it will process them, including establish a timer. Although it takes a bit longer than other smartwatches such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, this update is still beneficial.
With the addition of a speaker, your watch can now answer calls and provide speech updates during activities, such as your lap times during a run. Don’t worry, though you can disable this feature if you’d prefer not to have your watch chat to you during group activities.
The included flashlight found in all of the new Garmin Fenix 8 models is incredibly helpful both indoors and outside of nighttime activities. The Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro ranges come with this flashlight as well, although the smaller Fenix 7 variants and the Garmin Epix 2 do not.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Garmin Fenix 8: SPORTS TRACKING
I’ve used the Fenix 8 for five runs so far, in addition to an indoor cycle, yoga, and strength training, and it continues to be an excellent sports tracker. Thus far, the GPS and heart rate tracking have shown to be dependable. When I compared the heart rate tracking using a chest strap, the data matched very well, with the exception of a few missing intervals during a hill run session.
After your workout is complete, the data enters into the watch’s incredibly extensive training analysis, which includes advanced metrics like your hill score and endurance score, which measure your ability to climb hills and your fitness for prolonged activities, respectively. In addition, the watch estimates your VO2 max, breaks down your training load to determine whether it’s balanced, and recommends workouts for each day.
Even while the sports tracking has been great thus far, I will note that it’s fairly comparable to what you get with the Garmin-updated Epix 2 and Epix Pro AMOLED watches, which have gained additional functions since their introduction.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Garmin Fenix 8: BATTERY LIFE
According to my early usage, the larger 51mm Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED has a far longer battery life than the 47mm variant. Even with the screen turned on constantly both during and outside of activities, the watch will last more than 10 days.
With the most precise and power-hungry multi-band GPS option turned on, the battery depleted 2-3% every hour during longer runs. I’ve since changed to a different GPS setting, and using the raise-to-wake function can help you save a ton of battery life.
The new Garmin Enduro 3 and the solar-powered Fenix 8 versions will last longer on batteries, but the vivid display of the Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm watch makes it an extremely impressive option.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Garmin Fenix 8: OUTLOOK
One of the greatest sports watches available is the Garmin Fenix 8, which enhances the fantastic bundle that came with the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro by a few extra features. The Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro will be a better value if you don’t require the new features, and the core sports tracking experience on older Garmin models is just as good. On the other hand, it is very pricey.
In contrast to the top sports smartwatches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Fenix 8 AMOLED has significantly longer battery life and more thorough and intelligent training and sports tracking data. The Fenix 8 boasts unmatched navigation capabilities, but it lacks the intelligence of the top smartwatches due to the Connect IQ app store’s significantly smaller selection of apps than those of Apple and Google.
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a bright 1.4” AMOLED...
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury with targeted strength...
- Battery performance: up to 16 days in smartwatch mode; up to 47 hours in GPS mode
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a 1.3” solar charged...
- Battery performance: up to 28 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging...
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury targeted strength...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
