Garmin Fenix 8: Pricey Upgrade Brings Diving, Phone Calls to Flagship GPS Watch

Like the mythical bird from which it takes its name, Garmin’s top-shelf watch continues to reinvent itself. The eighth generation of Garmin’s Fenix line just dropped in August. It offers a handful of big additions and a laundry list of smaller tweaks that might go unnoticed by users who aren’t professional athletes.

But for those looking for every sports feature imaginable, it’s hard to find a watch that brings more of the “kitchen sink” design philosophy than the Fenix line. In 2022, we wrote that the Garmin Fenix 7 had evolved into an “efficient, comprehensive tool for the endurance crowd,” and Garmin has doubled down on that goal with the latest update.

It has new features for route mapping and scuba diving, along with improved smartphone connectivity for managing “real life,” even on the trail. And, oh yeah, the solar-powered version offers 50% more power for an even longer-lasting battery.

But these additions also come with a larger price tag. While a solar-powered Fenix 7 cost $800 MSRP 2 years ago, the smallest model of a solar-powered Fenix 8 will now set you back $1,000 MSRP.

Let’s dive in (pun intended).

Garmin Fenix 8: Details

For the first time, the Fenix 8 is available with either AMOLED or an always-on solar MIP display. It seems like the brand’s Epix line, previously known for its AMOLED display, has been folded into the Fenix models.

The watches also come in three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. On the 51mm models, Garmin says you can expect up to 29 days of battery life (AMOLED) or up to 48 days in always-on mode (solar). That’s a 50% increase in solar power from the Fenix 7 — which is roughly the same improvement seen in the previous upgrade from the Fenix 6.

Diving

There’s no question that smartwatches have changed the game for many scuba divers. Garmin has been a part of that revolution, with models like the Descent G1 or the Descent Mk1 aimed explicitly at this subset of sports watches.

Many of those watches’ features (though not all) have now migrated to the Fenix line as well. The Fenix 8 includes both hardware and software upgrades to make it functional for diving.

It’s got a stronger case rated to 40 m of depth and leakproof metal buttons. On the software side, the watch comes with all the normal dive computer fields, like depth, time, compass, and water temperature.

That makes it a suitable dive computer for scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling, the brand said.

Mapping

Additional mapping features make it easier for runners, skiers, or other distance athletes to create routes in real-time, the brand said.

Users can now view terrain contours on TopoActive maps and access preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts around the globe. A new map interface also simplifies the customization of map layers, optimizing the navigation experience for users, according to Garmin.

Also, the update introduces dynamic round-trip routing. Basically, users can enter a specific distance on their watch, and the device will suggest possible routes.

Everyday Use

Using the built-in speaker and microphone, users can now make and take phone calls from the watch — at least when paired to a compatible smartphone.

Moreover, you can control watch functions with off-grid voice commands like “set a 5-minute timer” or “save waypoint.” For many commands, no phone connection is necessary. You can even tell the watch to “start a strength training activity.” That will allow users to use the watch’s 4-6-week strength training workouts, many of them tailored to activities like skiing, surfing, or trail running.

Pricing

The Fenix 8 won’t come cheap — especially when compared to other models in Garmin’s catalog. There’s no price difference when choosing between the AMOLED display or the solar-powered version of the Fenix 8. However, the three sizes vary significantly in price.

The 43mm costs $1,000, as mentioned above. However, the 47mm costs $1,100, and the 51mm a whopping $1,200.

But there’s no doubt that Garmin’s newest offering looks more stylish than most of the brand’s other GPS watches — and brings more functionality than ever.

Garmin Enduro 3

No, we didn’t forget about the other big release from Garmin: the Enduro 3.

With a lightweight design and solar power, the newest model of the Enduro continues its mission to give ultra-endurance athletes everything they want in a watch. This latest model comes equipped with a larger and more efficient solar lens, Garmin said. The result is up to 320 hours of battery life in GPS mode — more than double the capacity of its predecessor.

Designed with a 51mm titanium bezel and sapphire lens, and coupled with a durable UltraFit nylon band, the Enduro 3 aims for durability in all-weather conditions. Other features include trail run VO2 max insights, grade-adjusted pace metrics, and NextFork Map Guides. For added safety during low-light conditions, it also includes a controllable LED flashlight integrated into the watch. It’s got an MSRP of $900 on the Garmin website.

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