After weeks of leaks, Garmin has officially launched the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar multisport smartwatches. While these models still cater to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, they bring some noteworthy upgrades, including a long-awaited display change for the base Fenix line. Here are the details.
Garmin Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar Specifications
The headline addition is the AMOLED display on the standard Fenix 8. However, for those who prioritize longer battery life, Garmin has kept the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with solar charging for the Fenix 8 Solar model.
Both models come in 47mm and 51mm sizes, but the Fenix 8 with the AMOLED screen also offers a smaller 43mm option. The AMOLED version features a slightly larger and sharper 1.4-inch display with a 454 x 454-pixel resolution.
In contrast, the Solar Edition has a 1.3-inch MIP screen with a 260 x 260 pixel resolution. Additionally, it is slightly thicker at 15.2mm compared to the standard Fenix 8’s 13.7-14.7mm profile.
Feature-wise, all the smartwatches now have a built-in speaker and microphone for basic voice assistant interaction and voice note recording, alongside a built-in flashlight.
Additionally, the Fenix 8 series offers targeted strength training tailored to specific sports, Garmin Share for data sharing between devices, and support for QZSS and BEIDOU global navigation systems.
Garmin has even included a sensor guard and leakproof buttons on the Fenix 8 and has been tested to military standards for durability. The watch is water-resistant up to 40 meters and includes new scuba diving and apnea modes.
The Fenix line is renowned for its battery life, and the Fenix 8 models continue this tradition. 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% more solar energy than previous models.
Price and Availability
In terms of price, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at a hefty $999.99, climbing to $1,199.99 for the top configuration. The Fenix 8 Solar comes in slightly higher, starting at $1,099.99 and reaching $1,199.99 for the most expensive model.
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