Fenix 8 is here.
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Garmin launches the latest innovation in training watches with the Fenix 8 series: A “multisport watch” designed to withstand the toughest conditions – and the successor to our test winner among the most advanced training watches – the Fenix 7X.
The Fenix 8 series is, as usual, large in form and full of useful – and unnecessary – training features. Now it also comes with a range of new “stuff”.
Training features for “everyone” – now also diving
Every morning, the Fenix 8 series will provide a morning report that tells you how ready you are for training, while a range of other training measurements will help assess your overall condition.
In addition to the already available activities like running, cycling, rafting, and golf, and team sports like football, basketball, volleyball, and more, the Fenix 8 series will also include diving as a pre-programmed activity.
The Fenix 8 has a 40-meter dive-rated casing, leak-proof metal buttons, and support for a variety of diving activities.
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AMOLED screens, solar charging, and better battery life
The new series comes with options for two types of screens. One is AMOLED, while the other is an always-on screen with solar charging. The Fēnix 8 in the largest size reportedly captures 50 percent more solar energy than its predecessor.
The AMOLED option is available in three sizes – 43, 47, or 51 mm – while the solar charging option is available in 47 or 51 mm.
While the 51 mm AMOLED offers up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, the 51 mm solar charging model offers up to 48 days – up from 37 days on the current version.
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Improved GPS and LED flashlight
According to Garmin, their map function has also been enhanced with the Fenix 8. If you pay for an Outdoor Maps+ subscription, you will fully benefit from the pre-programmed TopoActive map, which displays topography and satellite images.
However, this is only a feature pre-loaded onto the sapphire models, while non-sapphire models will need to download the maps.
If you’re in a pinch and forgot your flashlight, you can use the watch as it comes with an LED flashlight.
Speaker, microphone, and Messenger app
Aside from being the best friend to all fitness enthusiasts in various forms, it will also offer to be a communication partner with those at home.
In addition to the speaker and microphone enabling simple commands like “start a strength training activity” to be recognized by the watch, this functionality combined with their call app will make it harder to pretend that you didn’t notice the family is impatient for your return home.
You can also send messages with the watch using Garmin’s new Messenger app, but the recipient must also have the same.
The price starts at 12,099 kroner, reports Garmin.
Enduro 3 releases simultaneously
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While the Fenix 8 is a colossal watch with a spectrum of features for endless types of workouts, the Enduro series is targeted at runners. Alongside the Fenix 8, the Enduro 3 is also launched.
Where Fenix goes big, Enduro goes light, now boasting the lightest casing ever, at just 63 grams.
It also has greater battery capacity, with up to 320 hours in GPS mode – also with solar charging – with an always-on screen, or up to 90 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
The recommended price is 10,899 kroner.
Apple and Suunto also cater to divers
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Similar to Garmin, Apple also appealed to divers a few years ago with its Apple Watch Ultra. At that time, we tested it at 40 meters with some success, but noted that while Apple sees the need, it requires too many more functionalities for it to truly stand out as a dive watch.
Suunto also has a combined smartwatch and dive watch with its Suunto Ocean. However, we have not tested this, only their Suunto 9 Baro, which is available for several sports, although not diving.
Polar, on the other hand, has not focused on divers at all, but boasts, like Garmin, a top model with AMOLED screen and sapphire glass.