Garmin’s Fenix 8 is getting smarter, less reasons to buy an Apple Watch

The most recent Fenix 8 includes smartwatch functionality as Apple continues to infiltrate Garmin's cutting-edge sports watch market.

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Since I bought a new Garmin Enduro 3, I have been enthralled with the device’s extensive feature set, precise data collection, and extended battery life. I have been experimenting with its cousin, the Garmin Fenix 8, for the past few weeks, and I am finding it difficult to choose which one I want to wear going forward.

Whichever display you choose—MIP or AMOLED—the 51mm Fenix 8 costs $300 more than the Enduro 3. You get a watch with a speaker, microphone, and dive support for that high price. I do not think the speaker and microphone are sufficient to support switching from an Enduro 3 to a Fenix 8 if you are not interested in diving.

However, as the Enduro 3 is only available in a 51mm size, a Fenix 8 is the best choice if you are looking for a smaller watch with an AMOLED display.

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Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin Fenix 8

 Solar, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight,

$1,099.99See It

Similar to an Apple Watch, Pixel Watch, or Galaxy Watch, the speaker and microphone allow you to make phone calls from the watch using your linked smartphone. Although it is not as loud as specialized smartwatches, the speaker is useful for talks when your smartphone is hidden.

The Fenix 8 may also be used to record voice notes. Since I frequently have innovative ideas while running and want to record them without pausing to use a smartphone, I have a shortcut button set up to activate this feature. Although the voice recordings are kept on the watch and do not yet sync to your phone via Garmin Connect, you can copy the voice recordings from the watch’s storage by connecting the charging wire to your PC.

On the Fenix 8, you may also turn on the voice command feature, which allows you to operate a variety of features and perform simple chores with your voice. On the Fenix 8, Voice Command is activated by default when you press and hold the top-right button.

garmin fenix 8 elegant wear
Garmin's Fenix 8 is getting smarter, less reasons to buy an Apple Watch 17

You may also configure the feature on the Controls screen. With the Fenix 8’s many settings and features, it is convenient to use voice commands to swiftly open apps and activities. To activate Voice Command, you must push a button because there is not a hands-free launch phrase.

The modification to the five hardware buttons is another intriguing design tweak that I was unaware of until I began using the Fenix 8. After a month of using the Enduro 3, it became evident that the Fenix 8 buttons were different: they do not have the same traditional click feel when pressed. Although there is a confirming vibration in the button and on the watch’s back, the buttons seem a little softer.

Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin Fenix 8

 Solar, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight,

$1,099.99See It

The buttons sense presses without the button physically entering the case since they are inductive with a small amount of haptic feedback. It is a new strategy, and I am not sure which button I like more, but I am in favor of the change if it guarantees a higher degree of water resistance and perhaps longer button life.

The revised user interface of the Fenix 8 is identical to that of the Enduro 3. After using this layout for a while, I like the grouped notifications and the start button design, which allows me to access other programs and utilities more effectively and gets me to my preferred activities faster.

Garmin Fenix8 WhatsNew
Garmin's Fenix 8 is getting smarter, less reasons to buy an Apple Watch 18

The Fenix 8 covers about every sport and activity you may possibly want to track or engage in. Therefore, even though it is a pricey watch, it is the only one you will need to track and enhance your performance as well as measure your overall health and wellness. The fact that the Fenix 8 has features found on golf watches, GPS navigation systems, and bike computers is a delight. With a number of functions that make the watch a reasonably capable dive computer, the Fenix 8 also supports scuba and apnea diving activities up to 40 meters deep.

Up to 16 days of battery life is claimed when using the smartwatch; when the always-on display is turned on, the battery life drops to seven days. I tried turning on the watch face by twisting or raising it, but I prefer to look down to see the time and important information, so I have sacrificed battery life to enjoy the always-on display.

One of the reasons I am not sure which is better for me, the Fenix 8 or the Enduro 3, is the battery life. However, the Fenix 8 has a MIP display option, which allows you to have the extra speaker and microphone features along with a longer battery life. I adore that I can wear the watch on business travels and not have to worry about charging it while away for a week.

With all systems and multi-band activated, the 47mm Fenix 8 AMOLED should also be able to track satellites for up to 35 hours. Your Bluetooth headset’s battery life is reduced to 10 hours when you stream music to it.

When working around the garage or in other circumstances where you want some background music, the built-in speaker is useful, even though it is not nearly as excellent as using Bluetooth headphones.

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Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin Fenix 8

 Solar, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight,

$1,099.99See It

Garmin’s flagship watch for multisport enthusiasts and anyone seeking a multipurpose watch is the Fenix 8. With the speaker and microphone features as well as the growing support for third-party apps in the Connect IQ Store, it moves closer to the realm of smartwatches.

The Garmin user interface has been updated to offer a more effective experience, the watch is made to endure almost anything you throw at it, and the display is gorgeous. The fact that there are three sizes, two display technologies, and numerous colors is wonderful, and with 13 total options, you should be able to pick the ideal watch.

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