The Garmin Fenix 8 represents a new pinnacle in Garmin’s smartwatch lineup, combining the best of the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro under one advanced banner. With significant updates like an AMOLED display option, improved dive capabilities, and a revamped user interface, the Fenix 8 is a serious contender for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
PROS
✅ AMOLED and solar-charging options
✅ Speaker and Microphone control
✅ Improved water resistance
CONS
❌ No wireless charging
❌ Laggy maps and screen transitions
❌ More expensive than Fenix 7 Pro range
Design and Display: Big, Bold, and Now AMOLED
At first glance, the Fenix 8 resembles its predecessors. However, there are notable upgrades, especially with the new AMOLED display available on certain models. The watch comes in two options: an AMOLED display, which offers rich color and contrast, and a solar-charging model with a memory-in-pixel display that maximizes battery life. Available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, there’s a fit for every wrist.
Garmin also improved the watch’s usability by adding touchscreen swipe gestures to lock and unlock the display. The design is rugged, waterproof to 40m, and built for durability—ideal for both daily training and extreme adventures.
User Interface and Navigation: Enhanced but Familiar
Garmin has reworked the user interface with smoother navigation and new menu tweaks. These adjustments make the watch more user-friendly but may still feel a bit complex to new Garmin users. Voice command functionality is limited, so interactions still require some screen navigation. However, for calls and messages, users can control these functions directly from the watch.
Sports and Fitness Tracking: Unmatched in Depth and Precision
The Fenix 8 shines in sports tracking, offering one of the most comprehensive tracking systems on the market. It supports advanced metrics, detailed analytics, and multi-sport modes, making it ideal for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes alike. Garmin’s powerful algorithms provide insights into training load, VO2 max, recovery time, and more, giving users an accurate understanding of their performance.
GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy
GPS tracking on the Fenix 8 is outstanding, though it occasionally wavers under heavy tree cover. I tested the watch in varied environments—from city runs to rugged mountain trails—and the GPS accuracy was solid, delivering reliable route data. For heart rate monitoring, the Fenix 8’s wrist-based sensor generally performed well, closely matching my Polar H10 chest strap readings, though it occasionally lagged during intense intervals.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power
Battery life on the Fenix 8 is impressive, especially with the 51mm AMOLED model, which lasted nearly 13 days with the always-on display active. For a sports watch with an AMOLED screen, that’s exceptional. Battery consumption during activities was equally efficient: in Normal Power mode, a 90-minute run used about 3% battery. This longevity easily outperforms most smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, giving Garmin an edge for users who prioritize battery life.
Here’s a snapshot of battery performance:
- Overnight drain: 1-2%
- 24-hour usage (without GPS): 8%
- Marathon in Max Accuracy mode: 6%
- Daily life (with always-on screen off): 15 days with about 8 hours of GPS use
The solar model offers even longer battery life, ideal for those who spend extended time outdoors.
Comparing all the battery modes across different brands can be challenging, but this table provides a solid overview. Garmin, Suunto, and Coros stand out as top choices.
Pricing and Value
The Fenix 8 starts at $999.99 and goes up to $1199.99, depending on model and size. This premium price reflects its high-end features, but it’s a steep investment, especially with alternatives like the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro offering similar capabilities for less. For those who don’t need features like the new mic, speaker, or dive capabilities, older models may offer better value.
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Garmin Fenix E, priced at $799.99, offers a stripped-down experience with most of the core features intact.
Verdict: Is the Garmin Fenix 8 Worth It?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is undoubtedly the most advanced sports watch Garmin has released. Its big, bright AMOLED screen, enhanced battery life, and robust tracking capabilities make it perfect for serious athletes and adventurers. But if you already own a Fenix 7 or Epix Pro, the Fenix 8’s additional features might not justify the upgrade unless you’re after the AMOLED display or dive functions.
The Fenix 8 competes strongly with smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, especially in sports tracking and battery life, but it doesn’t match their app ecosystems. If your focus is on fitness and adventure, the Fenix 8 is an unmatched tool.
In summary, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a powerhouse for sports enthusiasts seeking the best in tracking, battery, and durability. But for those who can forego the newest upgrades, Garmin’s previous-generation watches or competitors like the Suunto Race S could provide similar value at a lower price.