Garmin Fenix 8: Is the AMOLED Upgrade Worth It?
Discover the Garmin Fenix 8: Ultimate multi-sport smartwatch with advanced features, durable design & superior performance for every adventure.
Garmin Fenix 8 combines the best of Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro, now offering AMOLED screen for the first time in Fenix series. You can still choose the traditional memory-in-pixel display with the solar-charging feature on Fenix 8 Solar which extends battery life.
Key upgrades include a new microphone and speaker, enhanced waterproofing for diving up to 40 meters and improved user interface and navigation features. Battery life has also been increased.
While testing 51mm AMOLED version, it’s clear Fenix 8 is an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts. However, older models like Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro still offer similar features and might be a better value. Garmin Fenix E, launched alongside Fenix 8, is a more affordable alternative.
Garmin Fenix 8 Point
- Release Date: Launched on August 27, alongside Garmin Enduro 3.
- Price: Ranges from $999.99 to $1199.99, depending on model and size.
- Key Features: AMOLED or solar-charging options, offline maps, music storage, dual-band GPS, flashlight.
- What’s New: AMOLED screen, built-in microphone and speaker, 40m dive rating, leakproof buttons.
- Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Fenix E: Fenix E is more affordable at $799.99, but it only comes in a 47mm size and lacks latest heart rate sensor, mic, speaker, and flashlight found in Fenix 8.
- Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Enduro 3: Enduro 3 has longer battery life but lacks AMOLED screen, mic, and speaker.
Table of Contents
Garmin Fenix 8 Specification 📊
| Feature | Fenix 8 43mm (AMOLED) | Fenix 8 47mm (AMOLED) | Fenix 8 51mm (AMOLED) | Fenix 8 47mm (Solar) | Fenix 8 51mm (Solar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price 🏷️ | $999.99 – $1099.99 | $999.99 – $1099.99 | $1099.99 – $1199.99 | $1099.99 | $1199.99 |
| Size 📏 | 43 x 13.8 mm | 47 x 13.8 mm | 51 x 14.7 mm | 47 x 15.2 mm | 51 x 15.4 mm |
| Display 📺 | 1.3 in, 416 x 416 AMOLED | 1.4 in, 454 x 454 AMOLED | 1.4 in, 454 x 454 AMOLED | 1.3 in, 260 x 260 MIP | 1.4 in, 280 x 280 MIP |
| Bezel 💍 | Steel or titanium | Steel or titanium | Steel or titanium | Titanium | Titanium |
| Screen 🖼️ | Glass or sapphire | Glass or sapphire | Glass or sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Case Weight ⚖️ | 50g (steel), 44g (titanium) | 59g (steel), 52g (titanium) | 74g (steel), 64g (titanium) | 52g | 64g |
| Water Resistance 💧 | 10 ATM, 40m diving | 10 ATM, 40m diving | 10 ATM, 40m diving | 10 ATM, 40m diving | 10 ATM, 40m diving |
| Storage 💾 | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Battery Life (Watch Mode) 🔋 | 10 days (4 with always-on) | 16 days (7 with always-on) | 29 days (13 with always-on) | 21 days (28 with solar) | 30 days (48 with solar) |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) ⏱️ | 18 hours | 30 hours | 54 hours | 48 hours (59 with solar) | 68 hours (92 with solar) |
Garmin Fenix 8 Design 📺
Garmin Fenix 8 was launched on August 27 and is now available, with prices ranging from $999.99 to $1199.99, depending on the model and size. There’s also a more affordable Fenix E model priced at $799.99.
Fenix 8 comes in two versions: one with an AMOLED screen and one with a solar-charging, memory-in-pixel display, which offers better battery life but is less bright. AMOLED version is available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes while solar version comes in 47mm and 51mm.
Although Fenix 8 has new features like a mic, speaker, and dive capabilities, it is more expensive than older Garmin models like Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro, which might be better value for those who don’t need the latest upgrades. It’s also pricier than Galaxy Watch Ultra ($640) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (from $799).
Garmin Fenix 8 Battery Life 🔋
Garmin Fenix 8 offers impressive battery life, especially with larger 51mm AMOLED model. This version lasts significantly longer than 47mm model. Even with screen set to always-on during activities and throughout the day, 51mm Fenix 8 can last over 10 days based on my initial usage.
During long runs, battery drains at a rate of 2-3% per hour when using most accurate and power-hungry multi-band GPS mode. Switching to a different GPS mode or using raise-to-wake feature can help save battery life.
If you choose the solar-charging models of Fenix 8 or new Garmin Enduro 3, you will get even more battery life. However, 51mm Fenix 8 AMOLED is already very impressive in this regard, considering its bright and vibrant display.
Garmin Fenix 8 Sports Tracking 📦
I’ve tested Garmin Fenix 8 with several activities, including five runs, indoor cycling, yoga, and strength sessions. Watch performs exceptionally well as a sports tracker. Both GPS and heart rate tracking have been reliable. I compared the heart rate data with a chest strap, and while Fenix 8 missed a few intervals during a hill run, overall data was quite accurate.
After completing an activity, Fenix 8 provides detailed training analysis. It includes advanced metrics such as your endurance score, which assesses your fitness for long workouts, and your hill score, which measures your climbing ability. Watch also estimates your VO2 max and breaks down your training load to ensure it’s balanced. Additionally, it offers daily workout suggestions based on your performance.
While the sports tracking features are excellent, they are very similar to what you find in Garmin Epix 2 and Epix Pro AMOLED watches, which have also been updated with new features by Garmin.
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Garmin Fenix 8 Pros👍 and Cons👎
| 👍Pros | 👎Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌟 AMOLED and solar-charging options | 💸 Higher price compared to Fenix 7 Pro series |
| 🌊 Improved water resistance | 🔄 Minimal upgrades over Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro |
| 🎙️ Integrated microphone and speaker | 👎 |
| 🧭 Advanced navigation features | 👎 |
Garmin Fenix 8: Conclusion
Garmin Fenix 8 builds on the excellent features of Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro, making it one of the top sports watches available. However, it’s quite expensive. If you don’t need new features, older Garmin models like Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro offer same core sports tracking and might be a better value.
When compared to leading sports smartwatches like Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Ultra, Fenix 8 AMOLED stands out with its superior battery life and detailed sports tracking. Its navigation features are also top-notch. However, it falls short in smart capabilities, with fewer apps available on Garmin’s Connect IQ store compared to Apple and Google’s app stores.
Garmin Fenix 8 combines features from Fenix 7 and Epix 2 into one range. It offers options for an AMOLED display or solar-charging, plus upgrades like a built-in mic and speaker and a design suitable for diving. Here are my first impressions of watch.
