Garmin Fenix 8

I am very happy with my Fenix 8 47mm Amoled. [...] Occasionally take calls on it (if my hands are busy doing something that prevents me from holding my phone. 6 months later and I still find things that are new and useful. The battery life is excellent and is why I had to step away from Apple-watches (and for a while the O2 function was not available on Apple devices). [...] The fact that I take advantage of so many different functions and can configure it to my liking makes it worth the price, for me.

[...] My husband just ordered the 8 for me because I have had issues getting my 6 to connect to my phone the last couple weeks. [...]

I've had the Fenix 6 s sapphire titanium since 2021 and it's been amazing.

I have been using it for 6 months now and i can say as a previous owner of fenixes that this is a huge revolution, amoled display, touchscreen, led lights also in the medium version, not to mention an integrated speaker for deezer and spotify. How cool is that?

I'm so happy that this new Garmin Fenix 8 exists. This way I was able to afford the Epix Gen 2 that finally got discounted in my country and that I've enjoyed for the past 4 months

A bit related - I tried if I can push Fable to write a Garmin map renderer that would be comparably fast (or faster) on Fenix 8 than the one they claim is possible on Fenix 9 only. I think I got very close, rendering detailed topographical vector map at over 15 fps on QEMU simulated single core simple CPU comparable to actual Fenix 8.

No one that does this with any regularity or seriousness uses an Apple Watch, they go with Garmin or one of the real fitness watches that can claim battery life in weeks and even months. My Fenix 8 charges once every 26-29 days. [...]

My Fenix 8 lasts for about a month with 10 hours per week of training. 30 hours with everything enabled is pathetic for a smart watch.

I actually had Fenix 6 before and did and impulsive upgrade to Fenix 8 while diving on holidays. I'm very happy with it, including the microphone, sometimes even use it to take calls, it is surprisingly handy when e.g. holding a kid in one hand.

Garmin Fenix 8. [...]

[...] my Fenix 8 AMOLED lasts 7 days with the always-on-display on or 14 days with raise-to-wake for the screen. The MIP solar versions can last 3-4 weeks with their screen always on (depending on how much sunshine). The more expensive models have map support. [...] Another really cool feature is that you can control almost all models fully with buttons (except models like Venu X1), which is extremely handy when you are e.g. [...]

[...] Also if we're talking Fenix 8: there's a cheaper version that has the same software and features but is like 900 or something (simpler design and hardware). The 1200 USD is the most expensive OLED + Titanium with Sapphire glass edition AFAIK. [...] After a while I noticed tons of other random interesting things too: when HRV goes down for a few days, I'll know I'll be sick 1 to 2 weeks later, when resting heart rate is like 55 or higher (high for me) I probably did exercise too close to bed time or am having sleeping probems, etc. [...]

The software has gotten a lot better since they made that change. [...] Especially without MIP displays. [...] Also this Fenix 8 Pro is not getting reviewed well by the usual people (des, ray, etc) it's not a good watch for the price. The sacrifices made for both LTE and the new display are too great.

Garmin Fenix 7 (and potentially Garmin Fenix 8 Solar) are reasonably button-y and kindof work "right" from a pebble fan. The biggest miss for most smartwatches is "buttons", "battery life" and "sunlight-readable screen". Buttons work without sight, buttons work in the shower (next track, volume, scrolling a notification, declining a phone call, stopping a timer), buttons can be "memorized", you can navigate buttons while riding a bike, and "button-centric" means you're focused on only the essential capabilities. [...] The discipline of designing for small, focused, essential interactions is so much better (when done well) than attempting to stab react components shifting around on your wrist or swiping in random directions on a slow-to-respond screen. Charging "every other week" means I can go on a weeks vacation, charge the watch before going, and not need to worry about or bring another charger. Sunlight-readable (non-lighted, non-distracting) screen means I can glance down and see the current time [with no wrist movement], and I don't have a bright light turning on and off (most of the time). [...] On the home screen, you could basically scroll through your upcoming calendar events to kindof keep you on track. The biggest opportunity for "Pebble2.0" is the hybrid button/scroll feature from Garmin Fenix. Fenix has an option to "pinch" opposing buttons for 3 seconds to enable/disable the touch screen. Additionally, the touch screen can be used for (eg) scrolling a map around. To me, this is great as I very rarely want to accidentally brush the screen (or have a toddler poking at it) and messing with things... but being able to "opt-in" to touch-screen under specific apps or circumstances is actually a really cool compromise! [...]

[...] Everything else comes from this philosophy, be it battery, design of not only display and it shape etc. [...] Premium price, premium look, massively better battery, durability, option of solar charging etc. I am taking poster child in Garmin Fenix 8 since they have very wide range of products compared to Apple. Fenix 8 is also much prettier than Apple's ultra wrist brick but thats subjective I guess. [...]

Yup, I have a Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED. [...] I run for 6-8 hours a week and I only need to charge it once a week. [...]

Bummer not to see a more meaningful Ultra 2 update. [...] I recently received the new Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire and, while expensive, it is really a stunning piece of hardware. Perhaps it's not quite as well crafted as the Ultra, but it certainly is close and has a better battery and, in my mind, better software specifically for people more serious about fitness. [...] "Running (mostly) free." Half the time, though, I start my run and realize the content isn't really there because it can only sync on the charger with more than 50% battery. It's all to say, Apple products are tough because they arrive to markets late and then self-impose one- or two-year update cycles. It's SO SLOW getting to parity with existing solutions.

[...] But for me personally, I bought the 8 instead of the 9. [...] Reason why I got it. [...] The size and weight doesn’t bother me because I’m used to wearing bulky watches. [...] I tell people if they really wanna save money to just buy that. [...]

Thanks. I have a fenix 3 hr from new. It does everything I need but I’d quite like a new Garmin. I will look at Garmin’s other options after watching this.

I’ve had the Fenix 8 since release both AMOLED and Solar, I think both have trade offs but I kept the Solar. It had a rough ride at launch for sure and as you said I think we’ve finally reached maturity for the software on the F8. [...] The price tag will be the deciding factor on that, and it must have a new processor and HR sensor to warrant the purchase. I fear the price tag will be £1200-1300 and I think that could be a deal breaker. [...]

bought a 7X sapphire solar when they came out and see no reason to upgrade until it. simply won’t work anymore. But that’s probably gonna be a long while. I don’t need the new features as long as it keeps the map the functions it already has the golf courses and it’s waterproof capability. The rest of it is quite frankly useless upgrade. I’m also from an era where people used to buy endurance watches without all these features and they kept them for at least a decade or more. If Garmin was going to go this path of upgrading and leaving watches behind, then they should’ve created a program for original watch owners to upgrade with an original owner, enhanced trade-in as a special feature. I think I’m on track to upgrade maybe somewhere around the Garmin Phoenix 14.😂

[...] THe Fenix 8 solar is a super watch . [...] I use the fenix 8 solar in the tropical jungle for hiking and other sport. The fenix is spot on but you have to study the watch for a few days in order to get the full benefits of the fenix 8

The nylon straps of Garmin are some of the best. Yes, they are expensive 40€, but of high quality and I have something on my wrist that I actually like, trust and feels comfortable. Also, there are standard sizes 22, 24, 26 mm which fit on other brands of watches as well.

I’ve had the instinct, fenix 7, and forerunner. Forerunner was my fav of the 3. Just picked up the Amazfit balance 2 for $230. Seems to be a good blend of garmin and apple. Love it so far!

i've had for FR 945 since it was released. like you, the price of the F8 Solar Titanium was a huge turn off for me. [...] I knew i wanted a MIP display so most of the current FR watches lineup are out. i'm not sure how much longer can the 945 last me since its battery life is diminishing. [...]

I just got done a 2 week hiking trip in Newfoundland and loved having maps available to my right on my watch. [...] I have no regrets with my Fenix 8 at all.

I’ve got an Instinct 2X which works great, I’d consider something like an Enduro 3 as a second watch for like £500 because i don’t want all the speaker nonsense that comes on the Fenix.

I have an AMOLED Fenix 8 and it's a beast of a watch. [...] I went AMOLED to kinda be on the safe side, but after all this time I got interested in trying a MIP display. [...]

When my Tactix 7 Pro broke down, I considered my options and chose the Enduro 3. They made more sense to me than the F8 or even the Tactix 8, since I wouldn't use features like calling or diving. If you're also looking to save some money, the Enduro 3 might be the way to go.

I have instinct 2 pro and awu2 then i got dame watch as you but the 47mm. Unfortunately the solar is annoyingly not visible compared to instinct and im using awu2 indoors. Felt scammed

I got the Instinct 3 Solar Tactical 45mm a month ago and its a great watch that i really love. Then my wife wanted a smartwatch so i bought her the Venu 4 and now i know that i will upgrade to a Garmin watch that got a microphone and i also want maps so im hoping that the Fenix 9 will be great and then i will get that and sell my Instinct 3 i think.

Every review says unless you go fe fi fo fum for breakfast grab the 47mm. The fenix is enough to ditch your samsung or apple watch and still feel like u didn't loose much while getting all the garmin positives. I bought a 47mm new on Amazon for what ur complaining u got yours used

@garmin.com why is connecting my Garmin Fenix 8 to my laptop always the most maddening event of my day? Connectivity issues have plagued this watch from day one. Surely this can be improved.

[...] I've been experimenting with an Apple Watch Ultra, an Oura Ring, and a Whhoop band. I have a Garmin Forerunner 965 on order, and I'm looking forward to it. I've never had a Garmin.

[...] I have had the Garmin Fenix 5 since it came out and love it, but it's time to replace it. While not looking at getting the Fenix 8, I am looking at the D2 Mach 2, as I'm a pilot. [...] I do really hope the heart rate sensor is better than the Fenix 5, I ended up getting a Polar HRM to wear that connects to my Fenix 5 to get better HR data.

Really liking my Fenix 8 51mm. I also have the AWU3 which is fantastic and tempting to switch to, but I prefer having wellness front and centre over smart features so am sticking with the Garmin for now.

The new connectivity features on the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro meant my family could track me through the Loch Ness Marathon without me carrying my phone.

I got a garmin fenix 8. [...] In some ways it’s vastly superior though, battery life being one of them. [...]

I use the Fenix 8 every day! [...]

I have been using the Fenix 8 Solar 51mm for about a month, and it is working very well. The battery life lasts for 2 to 3 hours per day of activities, and it lasts for 2 weeks.

Got my Garmin Fenix 8 yesterday and love it! It looks even better in person.

[...] Regarding being able to take calls via your watch, it's great for people like myself who work in a dirty environment where it is either impractical or dangerous to not have both hands free. There are certain aspects of my job where I need to communicate with my colleagues when carrying out some tests, where having my hands free at the same time makes the task far easier. The dive features on this watch are a fantastic addition that will serve me well on my next big holiday to South Korea, which will feature A LOT of diving :)

Nice macro shots. From a happy Enduro 3 user. I will upgrade my Garmins every two years, so the 8 was too expensive for me.

[...] Since buying the Garmin Fenix 8 I feel a lot better stress wise and being able to track all my health and readings daily is a life changer! I DO recommend this watch if you have the money for it. At first i thought it might be a little expensive but, my health is worth infinitely more! [...]

[...] Very tempted with the Fenix 8 as beautiful display. [...] Still own a original Fenix 3 and battery still fine amazing.

[...] Just re-purchased the Fenix 8 open box on eBay for $800 today, after previously owning and returning it due to the horrible bugs when it came out. I tried other brands, but nothing was scratching that Garmin itch. [...]

😅Kinda late for me, I already bought it. [...] Been a big help in deciding what to buy.

[...] I love the Fenix 8 over other Garmins for the Battery (even with Amoled), The style/look, the torch/flashlight. I went for the max model 8 for the smart watch integration with speaker/mic. I don’t use it often but like the option of a hands free call when needed or I can’t reach my phone. [...]

i have this Fenix 8 51mm and i love it , but in the beginning of purcase , i almost return the watch haha , bec restarting and alot of issues ! not a sweet start , but i did see on youtube it was fixed so i take the chance to buy it , but after all this restarts and stuff its wery nice , and no problems , have fenix 7X also , that watch is wery nice also and never a problem on that one , but the screen is far better on fenix 8 , i do like i can have bigger letters on fenix 8 that is awesome feature for me ! i am 51 years old , and i can see easy on this screen with this bigger letters witout glasses ! i am most happy about that hahah , maybe not 1200 dollars worth but more useful for me !

[...] I upgraded to the Fenix 8 Solar recently and I love it so far. I actually find the microphone to be very useful. I have one hot key set to access Siri and another to access Garmin's voice tools. [...] (I loved this watch also.) I was between an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the Fenix 8. [...] On the Fenix 8, I can use the microphone to send a text or take a phone call and still avoid all the other stuff. [...] I would love to leave my phone at home and still be able to call/text in a pinch.