Is the Garmin Fenix 8 Worth It? – A Detailed Review

If you’re looking to upgrade your smartwatch and set your eyes on the Garmin Fenix 8, you will likely be thinking about one thing: is it worth it, given the pretty steep price? After having kept this watch company for several weeks-running, hiking, and even diving with it-I’m excited to share my thoughts with you in this in-depth review.

In this review, I cover everything from design to features of the 47mm AMOLED variant of the Garmin Fenix 8(Available on Amazon). Further, extreme activities’ performance will be taken to head-on flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

I shall also go deep into USP for a new display, battery life, and fitness tracking capability to help you to help in deciding whether this smartwatch is meant for you.

Garmin Fenix 8 Review– Pros and Cons

First Impression of the Garmin Fenix 8: Premium Look and Feel

First Impression: The first thing I noticed when unboxing was the build quality of the Garmin Fenix 8. Indeed, it is not just another best smartwatch, as by touch and feel, it comes out as premium. The watch screams durability with its titanium body, sapphire crystal display, and a silicone strap that is sturdy.

The color options are abundant for different tastes and preferences, further still complemented by a smaller 43mm and a larger 51mm version. I went with the 47mm AMOLED version with a nice slate grey titanium finish, and let me tell you it feels like a piece of computer hardware on the wrist-but in a good way, that is.

But of all those upgrades, the AMOLED display has got to be the most striking against previous models in the Fenix line. It is bright and sharp, and boy, the colors pop. It is easily readable indoors and outdoors, even under harsh sunlight. 

I have used smartwatches in the past that became virtually unreadable outdoors under harsh sunlight, but not this one-the AMOLED display is a game-changer.

But it is not only the looks that impress; it is also the feel. The case in titanium feels light yet sturdy, and for its size, it didn’t feel big or bulky on my wrist. Comfortable and durable are must-haves in any watch, with someone like me always in action, from morning workouts down to everyday tasks, and the Garmin Fenix 8 does not disappoint.

Key Features That Caught My Attention

• AMOLED Displays: A vivid screen that is clear under any light condition, even for outdoor purposes, similar display found in the Fenix 8 Solar.
• GPS and Navigation: The Multiband GPS provides accurate tracking for hikes, runs, and in general, all outdoor activities.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Advanced heart rate sensor for tracking your vitals 24/7.
• Battery Life: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 47 hours in GPS a game-changer on long adventures.
• Durability: Constructed with titanium and sapphire crystal, this watch is built to withstand whatever comes its way.
• Water Resistance: Rated for free diving and scuba diving up to 40 meters.

This is a responsive interface that was the first thing to strike my attention when I first wore The screen with physical buttons is designed to be intuitive: tap the screen or use the buttons with your gloves on, and easily switch between modes, bring up the map, or check your heart rate.

AMOLED Display: Is It Better?

One of the biggest updates made to the Fenix 8 over its predecessors, like the Fenix 7 Pro, is what is being called an AMOLED display. I’ve been using watches with standard LCDs for my prior shots, and the difference here is night and day. The Fenix 8 sports a highly sharp, vibrant, and very easy-to-read AMOLED display outdoors, even under extremely harsh lighting.

I recently went on a hike with the Fenix 8, basking in the hot sun, and was somewhat surprised to never have issues with sun glare, squinting, or weirdly tilting my wrist to see what’s on the display. Quite an uncomplicated feature that simply does not get old or blur out at noon. So far, AMOLED looked nice with deep blacks and bright colours. It was pretty useful when trying to read maps, notifications, or exercise statistics.

If you are outdoorsy other words, if you run or hike or even scuba dive-a lot, this display makes a lot of difference. It also helps with indoor activities; for example, I find that when I am on the treadmill, the bright colourful display is kind of motivating. It just feels more premium.

How the AMOLED Display Enhances User Experience

• Brightness and Clarity: The bright, sharp display will let you see your stats as easily whether you are under direct sunlight or in a dimly lit room.
• Vivid Colors: Saturated colors make the widgets of graphs more readable, and those of maps are appealing, as the movement or route tracking can become much easier.
• New Watch Faces: With the AMOLED screen on, Garmin offered some nice-looking new watch faces that add a little bit of personality to your watch.

Garmin Fenix 8 Review Battery Life: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

For smartwatches, especially, the battery life is usually where they fail for me. I have used other smartwatches that barely lasted a day or two before needing a recharge, which can be frustrating, you know-especially when you are on an outdoor adventure. But the Garmin Fenix 8? This thing is a powerhouse.

Real-World Battery Performance 

Garmin’s claims were as long as 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 47 hours with the GPS on. I thought that was false, but after running it for a couple of weeks, I was impressed: I was running GPS for a long time during runs and had the AMOLED screen turned on full brightness, yet I could go nearly 12 days without having to charge.

That is a huge improvement compared to other Best Garmin smartwatches I have used, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2. What impressed me was how the watch can use solar power. While I didn’t rely on solar charging during my test cloudy the area in which I live, the watch is designed to extend battery life when exposed to sunlight.

If you happen to be one of those people who are outside a lot in sunny areas, at least then this could save you from having to carry that charger on those long hikes or trips.

Battery Life Breakdown:

• Smartwatch Mode: On a single pre-statement, it lasts up to 16 days every day, even with active sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notification alerts.
• GPS Mode: Lasts as long as 47 hours; perfect for long hikes or runs where one needs constant GPS tracking.
• Solar Power: The solar panel can give you extra juice; especially useful for outdoor activities.

I love this long-lasting battery for one reason: peace of mind. Whether on a multi-day camping trip or simply not wanting to charge a watch every night, the Fenix 8 delivers.

Navigation and GPS: Precise and Reliable

The huge reasons I got the  Fenix 8 were because of its advanced GPS and navigation capabilities. Being an outdoorsman who loves hiking, scuba diving, and running, accurate navigation is key. And let me tell you, the Fenix 8 did not disappoint.

I tried the GPS on different trails and running routes and didn’t find too many discrepancies in accuracy. I have used other Garmin watches before, but the multiband GPS in the Fenix 8 made it to another level. Even proper turn-by-turn directions were available in areas fully covered with trees, where normally any other device will struggle for its GPS.

We also love the roundtrip routing, whereby you can set a target distance and it will make out a route that will bring you back to the starting point. This is perfect sports watch for people like me who would just love to explore new places without necessarily getting lost or going the same way back.

How the GPS Stands Out

• Multiband GPS: Pinpoint accuracy even in demanding environments, from forests to mountains or cities with tall buildings.
• Turn-by-turn navigation: This feature provides real-time directions and eliminates the need to print any route directions beforehand or use a separate GPS device.
• Mapping and Routes: The Fenix 8 comes with full-colour topographic maps, which are just a blessing when it comes to navigating new terrains.
• Dynamic Routing: It enables you to make immediate changes to your route and brings you back to the starting point without any detours.

Fitness and Health Tracking: Advanced and Comprehensive

The Garmin Fenix 8 is a dream come true for any fitness enthusiast. With more than 30 preloaded sports modes, it covers almost every activity one can think about running, cycling, or swimming to the more obscure sports of scuba diving and free diving. I could jump between modes with ease, finding tracking to be very accurate.

Running and Cycling using Fenix 8

But also during my runs, the heart rate monitor on the Garmin Fenix 8 proved to be remarkably consistent, and it was easy to sync up to Strava through Garmin Connect. 

Everything from pace to cadence is tracked, and with its real-time stamina tracking, it even helped me manage my energy better on longer runs. This makes it even more helpful for marathon runners or people who overexert themselves easily.

The GPS integrated for this device was on point, even when cycling trips went to remote trails where normally I lose signal with devices. It provided turn-by-turn navigation and routing so I could explore areas with confidence, knowing I wouldn’t get lost.

Resistance Training and Health Monitoring

The Fenix 8 proved to be a great companion even in strength training, offering targeted strength training plans, also tracking heart rate and recovery in real-time help at the gym. These sensors with added advanced sleep monitoring features have even allowed me to sense my recovery from my workouts.

The respiration tracking, Pulse Ox, and even sleep quality provide a gamut of data for overall health monitoring. Garmin Connect does the summation of this information well and provides great insight into your body’s performance over time. Not just about step counting, it is about understanding your whole fitness and health profile.

Scuba Diving and Water Sports: An Adventure Timepiece

The Garmin Fenix 8 isn’t only constructed for land-based activities. I had the chance to test its diving capabilities during a recent trip, and it didn’t fail to impress me. With a rating for 40-meter dives, plus modes for scuba and apnoea diving, it felt great to have a dedicated diving watch on my wrist.

Another very useful thing to acknowledge is the barometer and altimeter, which make it follow your depth and ascent while on dives. This was pretty impressive on this device while doing some freediving; it tracked without any hitch, detailing my diving time and recovery intervals just as shown on the watch face. The metal buttons are also very easy to operate conveniently underwater, which is important when you can’t rely on the touchscreen.

Daily Use: Easy Connectivity

And although the Fenix 8 is brilliant in some extreme environments, it is just about faultless as a smartwatch for everyday applications, too. Providing it had a speaker and microphone, calls could be taken right from the wrist when my phone was anywhere in their vicinity-such a time-saver where I needed my hands free.

Also useful are the added microphone and speaker, when taking advantage of Garmin’s voice assistant for handling texts and controlling smart features. This hands-free capability is convenient for multitasking while staying connected out and about. Garmin Pay and Notifications Another useful feature I have been finding pretty good is Garmin Pay.

You can pay directly from the watch; hence, you need not fiddle with your wallet. The notifications worked seamlessly, alerting me to the incoming messages, emails, and events on the calendar without disturbing me too much. That means it keeps me connected, be it through daily life or an intense workout session, without missing a beat.

I have always loved how Garmin devices cater to athletes, and the Fenix 8 is no exception. Operating it, the heart rate monitoring is on point, and new features Garmin has packed into this watch are designed to make one’s workouts even better.

I also love the real-time tracking of stamina. Several times, I’ve tried this with long runs in a row, and it’s always useful data on how much energy I have left to prevent overexertion or burnout. 

Pair that with Garmin Connect, its mobile application, and that means I get to analyse my training load, recovery, and readiness for my next workout. The data feels accurate and detailed, something I didn’t know I needed.

Dive Into the Health Tracking Features

• Heart Rate Monitoring: It tracks 24/7 and gives information on workouts and rest.
• Sleep Tracking: This monitors the quality and details of your sleep through Garmin Connect.
• Pulse Ox Sensor: Tracks blood oxygen levels, ideal when going high-altitude or for extreme workouts.
• Advanced Workout Metrics: Realtime stamina tracking, recovery suggestions, and even adaptive workout plans based on your performance.

To the athlete or health-conscious individual, Garmin Fenix 8 is way more than a simple fitness tracking device: heart rate monitoring, for instance, flows right into sleep data with deep insights available.

New Features: Take Calls, Use Voice Commands, and More

The Garmin’s opened it up with the Fenix 8 to some fantastic new features, making it as versatile as ever. During my time with the device, I was able to take a lot of calls directly from the watch. That’s great when you’re on a run or in some outdoorsy adventure, and you don’t want to reach for your phone.

The built-in mic and speaker come clear, and I never had an issue hearing the person on the other end. It is a huge upgrade from previous models that lacked this feature. This also integrates with your phone’s voice assistant, something I found handy to perform simple tasks like replying to text messages or setting reminders without pulling my phone.

The user interface feels soft and smooth to work with; thus, it presents no particular challenges while navigating the menus. Graphical widgets are clean and present all the information you will want or need in one glance: everything from the weather update to metrics of current activities.

Additional features I enjoyed were

• MIC and Speaker: This allows you to receive calls right from your watch for hands-free communication.
• Voice Control: Send text messages, set reminders, or navigate on the watch with your phone’s voice assistant.
• Garmin Pay: Yes, you can make contactless payments right from the wrist, which comes in very handy on quick coffee runs.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s get real here: when it comes time to shop for a high-end smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is going to come up in your search. Both are flagship devices, but each has a different clientele. 

Having used the Fenix 8, I can confidently say it’s built for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a bit more casual and geared toward those deep into the Apple ecosystem.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:

• Design: Where the Fenix 8 seems a bit more rugged, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a sleeker, minimalist design.
• Battery Life: The Fenix 8, considering the solar power option, by a landslide. Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not hold a candle against the Fenix 8 in the area of stamina.
• Fitness and health tracking: Both watches are great, but the Fenix 8 seems to dish out much more specific data for outdoor activities.
• Navigation: The Fenix 8’s GPS and navigation are way better, packing multiband GPS and full-color topographic maps.
• Ecosystem: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 would, therefore, make more sense if one was invested in the Apple ecosystem.

However, it is reasonably comfortably clear that in terms of adventure and fitness, maybe not so much for battery life, it would go to the Fenix 8.

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Conclusion: Should I Buy the Garmin Fenix 8?

After weeks of testing the Fenix 8, I can firmly say that this thing is among the best smartwatches available to date for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and those generally looking for so much more from their watch. Battery life, AMOLED display, robust build, and advanced tracking make it one of the highest contestants in the smartwatch arena. 

Suppose you are coming from something like a previous Garmin model, like the Fenix 7 Pro, or even something from the Garmin Epix and Epix Pro lineup; you’ll surely appreciate the upgrades, especially in the form of an AMOLED screen and some seriously improved GPS functionality.

People might ask if it is worth upgrading to, and in my opinion, yes, it would be worth upgrading to, since this is a watch for everyday wear but can also perform in extreme adventure scenarios. 

Admittedly, the  Fenix 8 is an investment; for me, though, it’s well worth every bit due to the feature set combined with durability in performance. Be it scuba diving, running, or even just day-to-day tracking, this watch has it all and a lot more.