Garmin Fenix 8 – in-depth review
Garmin launched the Fenix 8 on the 27th August 2024.
The key big change that the previous Epix Gen 2 Garmin watch was now being rebranded as the AMOLED Fenix watch.
Therefore, after the launch of the Fenix 8 range we now have 2 types of Fenix Watches.
The first of these being with the Fenix 8 AMOLED version (brighter screen, similar to an iwatch etc) of the watch having x 3 sizes.
The second version was the Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire, with the traditional translative memory-in-pixel (MIP) version available in two sizes. This has improved battery life but the screen.
Upon the original of the new range of watches we unboxed it and here are our thoughts.
Summary of our initial thoughts after unboxing the Garmin Fenix 8 – 47 mm AMOLED
In the unboxing video we unboxed the Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED version for the first time.
Inside the box the watch was accompanied by a quick start guide and a charge cable. This is now USBC, but here at GPS Training we are shipping these watches with a USB adapter to help alleviate any initial problems for those people without the correct charging plug.
Larger screen
The new Fenix 8 AMOLED comes with a Sapphire screen. With the bezel being smaller and more compact the 47mm version of this watch has the same size screen, which is 1.4-inch screen, than the larger watch did in the past (the x version of the Fenix 7 range).
It has a slightly different finish compared to previous models, which we really do like.
Microphone
The all-new microphone comes behind the new protective casing on the side.
This will enable users to create voice notes and you can also ask it to do certain tasks i.e. play music etc.
New leak proof buttons
The New Fenix comes with these new buttons which do feel slightly different, it is to make it fully waterproof so and divers can fully utilise the new dive features that this watch comes with.
These are now electronic buttons, which has been taken from Garmin’s range of dive watches.
When comparing models, we really need to compare the Fenix 8 AMOLED to the EPIX Gen 2, as this has the same screen technology.
Weight
Very similar to the previous version.
Heart rate sensor and charging port
These are the same as we previously found on the Fenix 7 range of watches.
Battery
The battery life is increased by about 10% compared on the Fenix 8 the previous model with the AMOLED screen (Epix Gen2).
User interface and different colours
The whole user interface has been updated and we really like the return of the orange bands for the AMOLED version.
The Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire version can come with a striking yellow/ graphite, and this really does compliment the Titanium bezel.
After this initial unboxing of the Fenix 8 it was then a case of putting it on our wrist and really putting it through its paces, we did this and three weeks later we created an in-depth review of the Fenix 8 GPS watch.
After using the Garmin Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED for 3 weeks and using it on a number of activities including running a marathon, cycling, plenty of walks and some gym work, mainly hit classes.
After all of this we now feel we can give a good honest review.
Some of the new features and changes since the previous version that where not mentioned in the unboxing video above.
Microphone and Speaker
You can now answer calls on the Fenix 8 as long as your phone is within range i.e. there is not a built-in sim on the watch, it is tethered with your mobile phone.
You can actually play music through the speaker, leave voice memos and you now have the ability to give the watch voice commands to action varies aspects built into the watch.
You do this by holding down the top right button and then say what you would like the watch to do.
The processer is faster
When you are using the touch screen you really see the increase of the speed of the processor.
There is no increase in the resolution of the screen but the text and fonts on the Garmin Fenix 8 just seem that little bit crisper .
Changes to the map page
With this new watch it is far easier to change map sets and map layers.
You can now tap on the red pointer on the map page and you can quickly jump from track up to North up, a great new feature.
We now have the addition of a range bevel, which shows you the scale as you zoom in and out, again a new addition to this Fenix 8 GPS watch.
Changes to the way you can change activity settings – far more accessible
The ways you can change Configure your activity, how the map can be viewed, data screens and lots of other settings.
Off course alerts
A number of people were commenting they were not getting ‘off course’ alerts and turn alerts, but with the latest software update we have had no problems with this.
This may be a setting within Garmin Connect they have had set up wrong or a recent firmware update from Garmin.
The old navigation screens
Again, a number of people have stated they could not see the old navigation pages, these you can access by clicking on the left-hand button and selecting the route.
It is working really well for navigation.
Unlocking the screen
A new feature is the ability to unlock the screen using the touch screen when you are recording an activity.
This you do by just dragging down the padlock.
Activity history
You can look back at all the stats on the watch and we have been very impressed by the accuracy in many conditions with not the best clear view of the sky.
Garmin Pay
Have a look at the curve app and this you can link to your card and then you can use Garmin Pay
Flashlight
It is great the flashlight has transitioned onto this, the latest model as we have been a big fan of this on the previous Fenix watches.
We break the watch down into x 4 segments
The key segments the watch breaks down into –
- Smart features, the smart watch features
It can take calls, you can listen to music, weather data, pay for goods (using the wallet). - Health and fitness
Steps, move alert, set your own goals, floors climbed and lots more
Wrist based heart rate monitoring, pulse ox, body battery, body battery, sleep coach, women’s health and lots more
- Outdoor navigation
Maps on the watch, follow a course, turn alerts, electronic compass, barometric altimeter, track back, mark a waypoint, round trip routing where you can select a route according to the distance you have chosen.
- Sports recordings
You can record and monitor your sports recording.