The Garmin Fenix 8 has made its debut, stirring excitement among fitness enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. As the latest addition to Garmin’s renowned Fenix series, the Fenix 8 offers a suite of cutting-edge features and enhancements, setting a new benchmark in the world of multisport smartwatches. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the new features of the Fenix 8, compare it to its predecessors and competing brands, and explore why it’s set to dominate the market.
What’s New with the Garmin Fenix 8?
The Garmin Fenix 8 brings several notable upgrades over the Fenix 7, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a robust, feature-packed smartwatch. Here are some of the key new features:
- Advanced Health and Fitness Tracking: The Fenix 8 introduces improved health monitoring capabilities, including an enhanced heart rate sensor, advanced sleep tracking, and SpO2 monitoring. The new body battery feature provides a holistic view of your energy levels throughout the day, helping you optimize rest and activity periods.
- Longer Battery Life: Garmin has managed to extend the battery life of the Fenix 8 even further. In smartwatch mode, it now offers up to 24 days of battery life, which is a significant improvement over the Fenix 7’s 18 days. In GPS mode, the battery life has also been extended, making it an excellent choice for ultramarathon runners and long-distance hikers.
- Improved Display and Usability: The Fenix 8 boasts a larger, brighter AMOLED display, which is easier to read in direct sunlight. The user interface has been refined, with more intuitive navigation and customizable widgets, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Enhanced GPS and Navigation Features: The Fenix 8 offers multi-frequency GPS, which improves accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. It also introduces new mapping features, such as NextFork, which provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time trail information.
- Increased Durability and Waterproofing: The Fenix 8 is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions. It’s built with military-grade materials, has a sapphire crystal lens, and boasts an increased water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, making it perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
- New Sport Modes and Coaching Features: Garmin has added several new sport modes, including surfing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing, each with specialized metrics and tracking. Additionally, the Fenix 8 now includes personalized coaching features and workout recommendations, tailored to your fitness goals.
- Advanced Smart Features: The Fenix 8 integrates better with smart home devices, allowing you to control your environment from your wrist. It also supports contactless payments, music storage, and streaming services, making it a versatile companion for everyday life.
How the Garmin Fenix 8 Compares to Previous Garmin Fenix Models
For those already familiar with Garmin’s Fenix series, the Fenix 8 represents a significant leap forward. Here’s how it stacks up against its predecessors:
- Garmin Fenix 7: The Fenix 8 offers a clearer display, longer battery life, and more advanced GPS features compared to the Fenix 7. While the Fenix 7 remains a powerful tool for outdoor enthusiasts, the Fenix 8’s new features make it a compelling upgrade, especially for those who require enhanced tracking and durability.
- Garmin Fenix 6: Compared to the Fenix 6, the Fenix 8 shows substantial improvements in all areas. This includes health monitoring, display quality, battery life, and overall performance. The Fenix 6 was a solid performer, but the Fenix 8’s advancements in sensor technology and smart features mark a clear evolution in Garmin’s approach to multisport smartwatches.
- Garmin Fenix 5: The Fenix 5 is still a capable device for basic fitness tracking and navigation, but it lacks the advanced health metrics, longer battery life, and enhanced durability of the Fenix 8. For users of the Fenix 5, upgrading to the Fenix 8 would provide a more comprehensive and reliable tool for both everyday use and extreme activities.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Previous Garmin Fenix Models
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 8 | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Fenix 6 | Garmin Fenix 5 |
| Price | $899 – $1,199 | $699 – $899 | $599 – $899 | $499 – $699 |
| Display Type | AMOLED, Always-On | Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) | Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) | Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) |
| Size | 47 mm (standard model) | 47 mm (standard model) | 47 mm (standard model) | 47 mm (standard model) |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 18 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) |
| Diving Depth | Up to 100 meters | Up to 100 meters | Up to 100 meters | Up to 100 meters |
| GPS | Multi-frequency GPS | Multi-band GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Durability | Military-grade (MIL-STD-810) | Military-grade (MIL-STD-810) | Military-grade (MIL-STD-810) | Military-grade (MIL-STD-810) |
| Health Monitoring | Advanced sensors (HR, SpO2, etc.) | Heart rate, Pulse Ox | Heart rate, Pulse Ox | Heart rate |
| Smart Features | Music, Payments, Notifications | Music, Payments, Notifications | Music, Payments, Notifications | Music, Notifications |
| Navigation | Topo maps, Turn-by-turn | Topo maps, Turn-by-turn | Topo maps, Turn-by-turn | Basic navigation |
| Material Options | Titanium, Sapphire, Stainless Steel | Titanium, Sapphire, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Sapphire Glass | Stainless Steel |
Why Choose the Garmin Fenix 8?
The Garmin Fenix 8 stands out for its robust feature set, which caters to both casual users and serious athletes. Its combination of durability, advanced health metrics, extended battery life, and comprehensive navigation tools make it a versatile choice for a wide range of activities.
For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the Fenix 8’s accurate tracking and coaching features are invaluable, providing detailed insights into performance and recovery. Its enhanced durability and water resistance ensure it can withstand even the harshest environments, while the improved display and user interface make it easy to use in any condition.
For everyday users, the Fenix 8’s smart features, including contactless payments and smart home integration, add convenience, while the improved battery life means fewer worries about charging.
Comparing the Garmin Fenix 8 to Competing Brands
When stacked against competing brands like the Apple Watch Ultra and the Suunto 9 Peak, the Garmin Fenix 8 holds its own remarkably well. Here’s how it compares:
- Battery Life: The Fenix 8’s battery life outshines the Apple Watch Ultra, which offers up to 36 hours in normal use, and the Suunto 9 Peak, which provides up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. This makes the Fenix 8 a better choice for extended outdoor activities where charging opportunities are limited.
- Durability: While the Apple Watch Ultra also boasts a rugged design and water resistance, the Fenix 8’s military-grade construction and enhanced waterproofing give it an edge in extreme conditions. The Suunto 9 Peak is also durable but does not offer the same level of water resistance or construction quality.
- Fitness and Health Tracking: The Garmin Fenix 8 provides a more comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features compared to the Suunto 9 Peak and Apple Watch Ultra. Its advanced sensors, coupled with Garmin’s extensive database of sport modes and activities, make it ideal for athletes and adventurers looking for precise data.
- GPS and Navigation: The Fenix 8’s multi-frequency GPS and new navigation features provide superior accuracy and functionality compared to the Apple Watch Ultra, which lacks advanced mapping capabilities, and the Suunto 9 Peak, which does not offer multi-frequency GPS.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Competing Brands
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 8 | Apple Watch Ultra | Suunto 9 Peak | Polar Grit X Pro |
| Price | $899 – $1,199 | $799 | $569 | $499 |
| Display Type | AMOLED, Always-On | Retina LTPO OLED, Always-On | Matrix Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) | Laminated Gorilla Glass DX |
| Size | 47 mm (standard model) | 49 mm | 43 mm | 47 mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 36 hours (standard use) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 7 days (smartwatch mode) |
| Diving Depth | Up to 100 meters | Up to 40 meters | Up to 100 meters | Up to 100 meters |
| GPS | Multi-frequency GPS | Dual-frequency GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | WR100 (ISO standard) | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Durability | Military-grade (MIL-STD-810) | MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G |
| Health Monitoring | Advanced sensors (HR, SpO2, etc.) | Heart rate, SpO2, ECG | Heart rate, SpO2 | Heart rate, SpO2, ECG |
| Smart Features | Music, Payments, Notifications | Music, Payments, Notifications | Notifications | Music control, Notifications |
| Navigation | Topo maps, Turn-by-turn | Basic maps, Compass | Route guidance, Altimeter | Turn-by-turn, Route guidance |
| Material Options | Titanium, Sapphire, Stainless Steel | Titanium | Titanium, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Sapphire Glass |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
- Price and Value: The Garmin Fenix 8 is priced higher than many of its competitors and earlier models, reflecting its advanced features and premium build quality. However, it offers more robust capabilities, particularly in GPS accuracy, battery life, and durability.
- Display and Usability: The Fenix 8’s AMOLED display provides superior readability and color contrast compared to the MIP displays used in the Fenix 7 and earlier models, as well as some competing brands. This makes it easier to use in bright sunlight and enhances the overall user experience.
- Battery Life and Performance: The Fenix 8 leads in battery life among competing brands, making it an excellent choice for extended outdoor use without frequent recharging. Compared to previous Garmin models, the Fenix 8 offers improved battery efficiency, even with the more power-intensive AMOLED display.
- Durability and Water Resistance: The Fenix 8 continues Garmin’s tradition of producing rugged, durable watches. Its enhanced waterproofing and military-grade construction make it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts who need a watch that can handle extreme conditions.
- GPS and Navigation: The multi-frequency GPS in the Fenix 8 offers superior tracking and navigation capabilities compared to earlier Garmin models and many competing brands. This is particularly beneficial for users who navigate challenging environments or require precise location data.
By comparing the Garmin Fenix 8 with both its competitors and previous models, it’s clear that the Fenix 8 stands out for its advanced features, durability, and performance, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-end multisport smartwatch.
Conclusion
The Garmin Fenix 8 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of what a multisport smartwatch can be. With its advanced health and fitness tracking, superior durability, and extended battery life, it outperforms not only its predecessors but also many of its competitors. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a professional athlete, or someone looking for a versatile and reliable smartwatch, the Fenix 8 is a compelling choice that’s sure to meet your needs.
Investing in the Garmin Fenix 8 means equipping yourself with one of the most advanced, durable, and feature-rich smartwatches on the market today. It’s not just a watch; it’s a comprehensive tool for those who live an active and dynamic lifestyle.
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Last Updated on August 29, 2024
My passion for watches started when I got my first Rolex. It was 35 years ago when I managed a franchise of Domino’s Pizza. The Rolex was an incentive for achievements. Since then I have been collecting, learning, using, and trying different watches for my day-to-day activities and hobbies.
I love Sports, not only from my couch but participating in many kinds of sports. I love playing basketball, tennis, soccer, diving, windsurfing, and more. My peace of mind activity is my Goldwing. And enjoying good music played from my smartwatch to my earphones inside my helmet is the optimum relaxing ride…
I am also a volunteering senior medic and an instructor. Teaching about Blood Pressure, ECG, Blood Saturation, and more.