Garmin fenix 8 First Impressions

The Garmin fenix 8, a long-awaited update to Garmin’s multi-sport adventure watch, launches on 27 August 2024. And the answer to the question you most want the answer to is: Yes, it comes with an AMOLED display in some models.

The screen is something we expected in the fēnix 8, to be honest, having seen the AMOLED watch face on the Garmin Epix and Forerunner lines, so it’s not a huge surprise, but it is something we’re very happy to see. 

However with the fenix 8 starting at £949.99, it is not a watch to buy just because it’s got a nice screen, so what else does the watch offer?

We’ve put in some initial testing on the fenix 8 and have some of the key details below. And as someone who usually wears a Garmin Epix, it has me asking some interesting questions about the future of Garmin’s line up, because the fēnix 8 is looking very Epix… 

Five Different Models of fenix 8

The AMOLED option is available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes. Though if battery life is your top priority, the solar models offer a more traditional always-on display that you’ll find in the previous models of fenix – the 51mm solar model has up to an astonishing 48 days of battery life compared to up to 29 days in the AMOLED models (29 days is still very good!).

Besides The Screen, What’s New in the Garmin fenix 8?

Visibly there isn’t a great change from version 7 apart from the new sensor guard and leak proof metal buttons which allows you to dive up to 40 metres (not that many people buying this watch will ever dive to 40 metres in it!).

The fenix 8 adds a torch, which is one of the most popular features Garmin have ever brought to their watches. The LED flashlight hidden behind the strap is a surprisingly handy tool, and is one of the most used features on my Garmin Epix. 

The fenix 8 is the first Garmin running watch with a built-in speaker and microphone which lets you make calls and control your watch with your voice. There’s a tool that allows you to record voice memos straight from your watch, showing that Garmin isn’t afraid of stepping into Apple Watch’s features. There is also the Garmin Messenger app which allows for two-way text messaging directly from the watch, adding more smart watch functions to these high-end sports watches. 

One of the fenix 8’s standout features is its advanced mapping and navigation capabilities. The multi-band GPS, preloaded TopoActive maps, and dynamic round-trip routing is great, and it’s made even better with an improved map interface which is a big win for those heading out on the trails or exploring new runs.

Fēnix Or Epix?

The Garmin fenix 8 is a solid upgrade to the previous fēnix, with a great new screen and features which will appeal to many fēnix fans.

The Garmin fenix 8 is now comparable to the Epix Gen 2, which is Garmin’s action-packed do-it-all premium adventure watch. But with the fēnix 8 having an AMOLED screen, torch and advanced mapping, has it just become the better choice for runners? And could it spell the end of the Epix lineup altogether?  

With the fēnix lineup being one of Garmin’s flagship names (like the Forerunner) it seems we could see the Epix slowly phased out, because the fēnix 8 is looking very epic – and very Epix.