garminfenix8 | IAN CORLESS

A breakthrough watch in the Garmin line-up for me with the inclusion on an AMOLED screen.. Having had an Enduro and Enduro 2, the key miss was the screen, particularly when compared to my Apple Ultra.

Depending on what you need from a watch and of course, depending how much budget you have, the Fenix 8 is, IMO, the best Fenix that Garmin has ever made.

This is not an in-depth review of the watch where I deep dive into all the stats, workings, functions and menus. There are many websites that do this, and while that may satisfy the geek/ nerd side of my nature, ultimately, I usually cut to the final paragraph called ‘conclusions’ as this ultimately answers what I need to know – Is the watch good? Is it worth the money? Is it accurate.

So, this post is a CONCLUSION

The FENIX 8 is nicely boxed with a sticker to simulate the screen.

There is a minimal instruction manual and a charging cable which also doubles up to connect to your computer. Make sure you have GARMIN CONNECT on your phone and GARMIN EXPRESS on your computer. Set up is simple with the Garmin Connect app – follow the instructions.

Other features for the watch, such as screen choices, mapping, music etc can be handled when connected to a computer using Garmin Express.

Simply click on ‘Add a Device’ and follow the instructions.

Updates are handled here and you can add music, apps, Tools & Content and access Garmin Connect.

It is all intuitive and you are given clear info when updates are complete.

APPS are all listed as below.

And as an example, I uploaded the Falcon X screen to my watch.

THE WATCH

The AMOLED is a battery drainer, but for me, that clear screen is an absolute winner and I have found that with around 2-3 hours exercise a day in full GPX mode, I get 6-days of battery. This is 5-days more than my very loved Apple Ultra and similar to the Coros Pace Pro.

Estimated life is somewhere around 48-hours with all system GPS on, with GPS only it is around 72-hours.

What is new?

Diving related functions
Microphone and speaker
The display size is increased
AMOLED option but you can still get a Solar/ MIP display

There are countless ‘added’ functions such as:

Voice recorder,
Answer phone calls,
Stunning mapping,
North up toggle,
Round trip routing,
Countdown app,
Revamp of notifications,
Strength plans and routines,
Active navigation

and so much more…

This is a feature rich Garmin and one that has something for everyone. For me, the absolute stand outs are:

The screen
The navigation function and mapping
Battery
The light which also goes red

With three sizes available, 43/47 and 51mm there is a size for everyone. My default would have been to go for the 51mm but it is huge and I have found the 47mm a perfect size. Sapphire screen costs more, don’t hesitate, pay more ad get it.

In the past years I have used Coros Vertix, Garmin Fenix 6, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 and recently I have been using the Coros Pace Pro – which is an excellent watch, with great screen and a good price point. I compared all these watches to my Apple Ultra. I know, I know, I can hear many say, there is no comparison. BUT there is. The Apple Ultra has a stunning screen and works seamlessly with an iPhone, obviously. For navigation, if you use apps like Footpath, routing and course navigation is superb. And of course, the option for apps is endless, however, the issue is the battery. I still struggle to understand how Apple fail to address this?

The Garmin Fenix 8 while lacking in all the obvious add-on apps that Apple have, is now, with the AMOLED screen, my go to daily watch. For many, the addition of a microphone / speaker will be minor, for me it is superb. The five buttons and touch screen option make using the watch easy. If you are a Diver, the new features are superb. GPS accuracy is industry standard and the optical heart rate sensor is good with the usual caveats. The light is incredible with variable power and a red light option. The light feature is one of my most used features and is a real omission on the Coros Pace Pro. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference.

FEATURES

Is it worth upgrading? Quite simply, the AMOLED screen is a deal breaker for me and worth the upgrade from any solar/ MIP watch. I loved my Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 for battery life but did not like the screen, hence, I used the Apple Ultra for navigation on one wrist and the Enduro on the other to record data etc.

The Fenix 8 addresses this, I now have the perfect watch for multi-day adventures without asking:

Can see the screen?
Will I have enough battery?
Do I have a torch handy?
Can I navigate?
And, if required, can I use my credit card to pay for things?

I even have music! These are the key features I want from a watch like this. With battery life on AMOLED units starting to rival that of MIP-based units, the choice is easy.

Like I said, this is not a deep dive into the watch and all its features. It’s a summary of using the watch and would I recommend it? The simple answer is 100%. It’s the best GPS watch I have had and the level of features and functions are way beyond my needs and demands.

And on a final note, if you do not require AMOLED, the Garmin Enduro 3 is the choice to go for, although, you can only get the 51mm size. It has all the Fenix 8 features with a considerably cheaper price and considerably bigger battery…. If only they could the AMOLED 🙂