Just like the legendary hen from which it takes its title, Garmin’s top-shelf watch continues to reinvent itself. The eighth technology of Garmin’s Fenix line simply dropped in August. It affords a handful of massive additions and a laundry listing of smaller tweaks that may go unnoticed by customers who aren’t skilled athletes.
However for these on the lookout for each sports activities characteristic possible, it’s exhausting 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 device for the endurance crowd,” and Garmin has doubled down on that aim with the most recent 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 affords 50% extra energy for a fair longer-lasting battery.
However these additions additionally include a bigger price ticket. Whereas a solar-powered Fenix 7 value $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 out there with both AMOLED or an always-on photo voltaic MIP show. It looks like 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 may anticipate 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% enhance 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 properly. The Fenix 8 contains each {hardware} and software program upgrades to make it practical for diving.
It’s received a stronger case rated to 40 m of depth and leakproof steel buttons. On the software program facet, the watch comes with all the conventional dive laptop fields, like depth, time, compass, and water temperature.
That makes it an acceptable dive laptop for scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling, the model stated.
Mapping
Extra mapping options make it simpler for runners, skiers, or different distance athletes to create routes in real-time, the model stated.
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 response to Garmin.
Additionally, the replace introduces dynamic round-trip routing. Mainly, 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 may management watch capabilities with off-grid voice instructions like “set a 5-minute timer” or “save waypoint.” For a lot of instructions, no cellphone connection is critical. You possibly can even inform the watch to “begin a power coaching exercise.” That may permit customers to make use of the watch’s 4-6-week power coaching exercises, lots of them tailor-made to actions like snowboarding, browsing, or path working.
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. Nevertheless, the three sizes fluctuate considerably in worth.
The 43mm prices $1,000, as talked about above. Nevertheless, the 47mm prices $1,100, and the 51mm a whopping $1,200.
However there’s little doubt that Garmin’s latest providing appears extra fashionable than many of the model’s different GPS watches — and brings extra performance than ever.
Garmin Enduro 3
No, we didn’t neglect concerning the different large 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 little thing they need in a watch. This newest mannequin comes geared up with a bigger and extra environment friendly photo voltaic lens, Garmin stated. 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 matched 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 received an MSRP of $900 on the Garmin web site.