After weeks of leaks, Garmin has officially unveiled its sports-focused smartwatches, called the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar. While these models are aimed at athletes, they bring some significant upgrades to the core Fenix series, including a long-awaited screen change.
The most significant addition to the standard Fenix 8 is the AMOLED display. But for those who prioritize longer battery life, the company is keeping the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with solar charging for the Fenix 8 Solar model.
There are two case size options for both models: 47 and 51 mm. However, there is also a 43 mm option for the Fenix 8 with AMOLED display. The AMOLED version comes with a 1.4-inch display. The resolution of this display is 454 x 454 pixels.
In comparison, the Solar Edition has a 1.3-inch MIP display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. It’s also slightly thicker at 15.2mm compared to the 13.7-14.7mm profile of the standard Fenix 8.
Both models feature a built-in speaker and microphone for basic voice assistant interaction and voice memo recording, as well as a built-in flashlight. The Fenix 8 series also offers specific-sport strength training, Garmin Share for cross-device data sharing, and support for QZSS and BEIDOU global navigation systems.
The Fenix 8 also features sensor protection and sealed buttons. It has been tested to military standards for durability. The smartwatch, which is water resistant up to 40 meters, also features new scuba diving and apnea modes.
How much should I pay for the Garmin Fenix 8?
The Fenix series, which is famous for its battery life, continues its tradition with the Fenix 8 models. The standard model can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, and the solar model extends that by an additional five days. Garmin also claims that the new solar technology captures 50 percent more solar energy than previous models.
The Garmin Fenix 8 will be sold for a starting price of $1000. The Fenix 8 Solar has a starting price of $1100.