Updated August 21
- The Fenix 8 has launched with AMOLED and solar-charging options
- A more affordableFenix 8 model called the Fenix E is also available
- The Garmin Epix line has been folded into the Fenix line
Late summer and early fall is when brands like Apple, Garmin, Google and Samsung refresh their best smartwatches. While Google and Samsung recently revealed their hands (wrists?), we expect new models imminently from Apple — namely, an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch 10 ( or X) — but Garmin has moved first with the launch of the Fenix 8 range, along with the Garmin Enduro 3.
The Fenix 8 is the follow up to the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro and also now incorporates the Epix line to be the the top sports watch in Garmin’s range. The key update to the watch is that there are two Fenix 8 models to pick between, one with an AMOLED screen and one with a classic Garmin memory-in-pixel display plus solar charging.
Here is all the key information you need to know about the Fenix 8, including the release date, price, specs and key features. It looks set to be one of the best Garmin watches.
Garmin Fenix 8 cheat sheet
- Release date: The Garmin Fenix 8 launched on August 27
- Price: The Fenix 8 costs from $999.99 to $1199.99
- What’s new? AMOLED screen, built-in microphone and speaker, 40m dive rating, leakproof buttons
- Key features: AMOLED or solar-charging, offline maps, music storage, dual-band GPS
Garmin Fenix 8: price and availability
The Garmin Fenix 8 is available now, having launched on August 27, though Garmin says it will take 2-3 weeks to ship if ordering from the Garmin website. The watch costs from $999.99 to $1199.99, depending on which model and size you opt for. There is also a cheaper Fenix E model that costs $799.99.
There are two options in the Fenix 8 range — AMOLED or solar-charging, with the latter having a memory-in-pixel display that is less bright than AMOLED but offers longer battery life. There are three sizes of the AMOLED watch — 43mm, 47mm and 51mm, while the solar watch is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes.
It’s the most expensive Fenix ever and the price has jumped from the Fenix 7 Pro and Fenix 7 ranges, and the Fenix 8 is also more expensive than the Galaxy Watch Ultra ($640) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (from $799).
Garmin Fenix 8: specs
- Size: 43mm, 47mm or 51mm
- Display: AMOLED or memory-in-pixel
- Display size: 1.3in or 1.4in
- Waterproof rating: 10ATM & 40m dive rating
- Solar charging: Only on Fenix 8 solar models
- Bezel: Steel or titanium
- Screen material: Glass or sapphire
- Memory: 32GB
Garmin Fenix 8: feature and tech upgrades
The main update with the Fenix 8 series is that the Garmin Epix line has been folded into the Fenix line, so the Fenix 8 range now includes an AMOLED and a non-AMOLED watch. The bright display on the Fenix 8 AMOLED does reduce its battery life, and the Fenix 8 solar, which has a memory-in-pixel display and solar panels, will last longer on a charge.
Another key update is that the Fenix 8 now has a mic and speaker, so you can use it to take voice notes, use voice commands like set a timer, and also activate your phone’s voice assistant.
The Fenix 8 is also now capable of being used for diving to depths of 40m, with new scuba diving and apnea dive sports modes on the watch. This is partly down to new leakproof buttons on the watch and a sensor guard.
While the display resolution is the same as on past Fenix and Epix watches, Garmin has upgraded the solar panels on the solar version of the watch to be more efficient. The panels are only used in the ring around the edge of the display so the screen should be clearer to read than on the Fenix 7 solar models.
Garmin has also revamped the user interface on the watch and added new software features like Focus modes, as well as upgrading the navigation features with improved controls and a new dynamic round-trip routing option that will adjust your route on the move.
Garmin Fenix 8: key features
The updates on the Fenix 8 add to what was already a very impressive slate of features on the Fenix 7 Pro. You have top-notch sports tracking and training analysis including a daily readiness rating, plus smart features like NFC payments and music storage, with the ability to link up with streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer to transfer your playlists wireless.
There is also an ECG sensor on the watch, and the Fenix 8 has Garmin’s latest Elevate v5 heart rate sensor, which can measure skin temperature. The Fenix 8 also has dual-band GPS tracking for more accurate distance and pacing information during outdoor activities.
The battery life you get from the watch depends on which model you opt for — larger watches and those with solar-charging will outlast smaller and AMOLED models. The best battery life is found on the 51mm Fenix 8 solar, which can last up to 48 days in watch mode in sunny conditions, while the 51mm Fenix 8 AMOLED can reach 29 days in raise-to-wake mode, though these numbers come down sharply if using the GPS tracking.
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