Just like the legendary hen from which it takes its identify, Garmin’s top-shelf watch continues to reinvent itself. The eighth technology of Garmin’s Fenix line simply dropped in August. It gives a handful of huge additions and a laundry record of smaller tweaks which may go unnoticed by customers who aren’t skilled athletes.
However for these in search of each sports activities characteristic possible, it’s onerous to discover a watch that brings extra of the “kitchen sink” design philosophy than the Fenix line. In 2022, we wrote that the Garmin Fenix 7 had developed into an “environment friendly, complete instrument for the endurance crowd,” and Garmin has doubled down on that objective with the newest replace.
It has new options for route mapping and scuba diving, together with improved smartphone connectivity for managing “actual life,” even on the path. And, oh yeah, the solar-powered model gives 50% extra energy for an excellent longer-lasting battery.
However these additions additionally include a bigger price ticket. Whereas a solar-powered Fenix 7 price $800 MSRP 2 years in the past, the smallest mannequin of a solar-powered Fenix 8 will now set you again $1,000 MSRP.
Let’s dive in (pun supposed).
Garmin Fenix 8: Particulars
For the primary time, the Fenix 8 is on the market with both AMOLED or an always-on photo voltaic MIP show. It looks as if the model’s Epix line, beforehand recognized for its AMOLED show, has been folded into the Fenix fashions.
The watches additionally are available three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. On the 51mm fashions, Garmin says you’ll be able to count on as much as 29 days of battery life (AMOLED) or as much as 48 days in always-on mode (photo voltaic). That’s a 50% improve in solar energy from the Fenix 7 — which is roughly the identical enchancment seen within the earlier improve from the Fenix 6.
Diving
There’s no query that smartwatches have modified the sport for a lot of scuba divers. Garmin has been part of that revolution, with fashions just like the Descent G1 or the Descent Mk1 aimed explicitly at this subset of sports activities watches.
A lot of these watches’ options (although not all) have now migrated to the Fenix line as nicely. The Fenix 8 consists of each {hardware} and software program upgrades to make it purposeful for diving.
It’s acquired a stronger case rated to 40 m of depth and leakproof metallic buttons. On the software program facet, the watch comes with all the traditional dive pc fields, like depth, time, compass, and water temperature.
That makes it an appropriate dive pc for scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling, the model mentioned.
Mapping
Further mapping options make it simpler for runners, skiers, or different distance athletes to create routes in real-time, the model mentioned.
Customers can now view terrain contours on TopoActive maps and entry preloaded maps for 1000’s of golf programs and ski resorts across the globe. A brand new map interface additionally simplifies the customization of map layers, optimizing the navigation expertise for customers, in keeping with Garmin.
Additionally, the replace introduces dynamic round-trip routing. Principally, customers can enter a particular distance on their watch, and the gadget will recommend attainable routes.
On a regular basis Use
Utilizing the built-in speaker and microphone, customers can now make and take cellphone calls from the watch — at the least when paired to a suitable smartphone.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to management watch features with off-grid voice instructions like “set a 5-minute timer” or “save waypoint.” For a lot of instructions, no cellphone connection is important. You may even inform the watch to “begin a power coaching exercise.” That can enable customers to make use of the watch’s 4-6-week power coaching exercises, a lot of them tailor-made to actions like snowboarding, browsing, or path operating.
Pricing
The Fenix 8 received’t come low-cost — particularly when in comparison with different fashions in Garmin’s catalog. There’s no worth distinction when selecting between the AMOLED show or the solar-powered model of the Fenix 8. Nonetheless, the three sizes fluctuate considerably in worth.
The 43mm prices $1,000, as talked about above. Nonetheless, the 47mm prices $1,100, and the 51mm a whopping $1,200.
However there’s little doubt that Garmin’s latest providing seems extra fashionable than a lot of the model’s different GPS watches — and brings extra performance than ever.
Garmin Enduro 3
No, we didn’t overlook concerning the different huge launch from Garmin: the Enduro 3.
With a light-weight design and solar energy, the latest mannequin of the Enduro continues its mission to offer ultra-endurance athletes every part they need in a watch. This newest mannequin comes outfitted with a bigger and extra environment friendly photo voltaic lens, Garmin mentioned. The result’s as much as 320 hours of battery life in GPS mode — greater than double the capability of its predecessor.
Designed with a 51mm titanium bezel and sapphire lens, and paired with a sturdy UltraFit nylon band, the Enduro 3 goals for sturdiness in all-weather situations. Different options embody path run VO2 max insights, grade-adjusted tempo metrics, and NextFork Map Guides. For added security throughout low-light situations, it additionally features a controllable LED flashlight built-in into the watch. It’s acquired an MSRP of $900 on the Garmin web site.
