Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by Luis Cooper
The Garmin Fenix 8 feels like a true flagship running watch, bringing the kind of long-awaited upgrades that fans of the Fenix 7 and Enduro 3 have been hoping for.
During my outdoor runs, I could see how this adventure-ready device combines a bright AMOLED touchscreen with the classic Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display for better battery-sparing performance.
What impressed me most was how the navigation and fitness tracking features worked seamlessly with the heart rate tech, giving me the confidence to push harder without second-guessing accuracy.
The screen feels punchy and impressive, yet the silicone strap makes the watch comfortable for both small and larger wrists, whether you go for the 43mm, 47mm, or 51mm model.
In terms of durability and performance, it stands tall in any comparison with an Apple Watch or even the Epix Pro, showing why it’s a premium choice for those willing to pay top-dollar option prices.
The Solar edition with solar tech clearly extends battery life, and that’s a real win if you’re used to being outdoors for long stretches.
Add in a mic and speaker, smooth software updates, and a feature-packed smartwatch design, and it becomes more than just a run tracker.
It’s a rugged, capable, and upgrade-worthy device that balances cost, pricing, and display quality surprisingly well for a watch in this category.
If you are one of those who love smart watches, then you have come to the right place.
In this review, I will provide further guidance.
Garmin Fenix 8 Review:
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Design and Display:
The Garmin Fenix 8 takes inspiration from the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro, but it pushes things further with a big, brash, and prominent adventure look that feels both modern and timeless.
During my testing, the titanium and stainless steel bezel stood out immediately — they give the watch a real solid presence on the wrist.
I tried both the 47mm and 51mm models, and while the silicone strap makes it surprisingly workout-friendly, its stature may feel overwhelming on skinny wrists.
Still, the ruggedness and durable qualities are exactly what make it so dependable in outdoor conditions.
What impressed me most was the AMOLED colour screen with its sharp 454 x 454 resolution on the 1.4-inch display, which is a huge step up compared to the older 280 x 280 versions.
Even under direct sunlight, the transflective touchscreen and toughened glass offered a clearer, brighter view, with noticeable reduction in glare thanks to subtle tinting.
The Sapphire and non-Sapphire options also show different strengths, with the Sapphire build resisting scratch damage more effectively.
Practical features shine here, too.
The five physical buttons remain, giving that tactile button control many Forerunner fans still prefer.
On night hikes, I relied heavily on the LED flashlight, which has multiple modes including strobe and blink.
And yes, the watch is leak-proof, with a depth sensor that supports recreational diving up to 40 meters.
Small but smart changes, like the overhauled crystal covering, show how Garmin continues refining the tracker design to balance ruggedness with style.
As Conor Allison highlighted in his reviews, this version isn’t just about looks — it’s about durable engineering that fits the demands of serious athletes.
Adventure Tracking:
With the Garmin Fenix 8, it really feels like you can go anywhere and track anything.
I’ve used plenty of watches over the years, but the mix of the dual-band GPS and fifth-gen optical heart rate sensor on this one makes it stand out.
In my training, the accuracy has been on par with a chest strap, whether I was logging long runs or just tracking everyday health.
What impressed me most is how it handles more than 100 different activities straight out of the box, and if that’s not enough, you can always add more through the Connect IQ store.
This watch isn’t just about running or cycling — it even goes deeper, quite literally.
New to the Fenix line is the ability to support diving to 40m depths, borrowing smart features from Garmin’s Decent dive computers.
For day-to-day use, the watch covers everything from running dynamics to recovery stats.
I found the built-in torch handy as a strobing running light when I trained at night, something I didn’t realise I needed until I tried it.
Additionally, the health monitoring tools are comprehensive, with tracking of energy, sleep, and ECG measurements available.
Beyond fitness, the Garmin Connect IQ app store adds another layer of usefulness.
I tried out different watch faces, added navigation apps, and even enjoyed offline Spotify during my long runs.
Having Garmin Pay is a nice touch, too, though I did notice its bank support is not as wide as some rivals.
And while the OLED screen does cut into the battery life compared to older LCDs, the balance isn’t bad.
In my hands-on use, the 47mm version gave me just over a week with Always On screen and music, while the 51mm stretched close to 13 days.
Even the smaller 43mm model held up decently, though for multi-day adventures, I’d recommend the larger sizes.
Power and Battery Experience:
One thing I noticed with the Garmin Fenix 8 is how differently the Solar editions and AMOLED versions behave.
On paper, the solar tech promises stronger endurance, but in real life, it’s hard to always get that perfect sunlight for maximum boost.
Strangely enough, the 51mm AMOLED model in my use actually lasted longer than the Fenix 8 Solar 51mm when I pushed it in All Systems + Multiband mode with the Always On screen switched off.
Compared to the older Fenix 7X Solar, this was a big surprise and honestly impressive for an AMOLED watch.
In day-to-day training, the differences between sizes really show.
The 47mm AMOLED gave me around 47–81 hours, while the 43mm only managed about 28–49 hours.
By contrast, the 51mm AMOLED stretched further, handling 84–145 hours of run tracking.
During one 90-minute run in Normal Power mode with Always On, the battery dropped just 3%, and even a 3-hour marathon in Max Accuracy mode only used up 6%.
When I took it on an 8-hour 5 Valleys Ultra, it burned 15%, which was only 1% more than the Garmin Enduro 3 under the same SAT IQ settings.
Outside heavy workouts, the drain is much lighter.
On average, I saw just 1–2% overnight burn, and about 8% in a full day with no GPS or runs.
With the Always On screen disabled, I comfortably reached 15 days with about 8 hours of GPS training before charging — though I had notifications turned off.
From my perspective, these results highlight that the battery life on the Fenix 8 isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how well it adapts across versions, size, and real-world usage.
Reliable Tracking with GPS and Heart Rate:
One of the things I noticed while testing the Fenix 8 is just how much confidence it gives when it comes to GPS and heart rate accuracy.
The watch uses Garmin’s Elevate Gen 5 sensor, the same one found in the Fenix 7 Pro, and for steady workouts or day-to-day monitoring, the results felt trustworthy and consistent.
At times, especially during high-intensity sessions like HIIT or sprints, the readings on my wrist did take a moment to catch up compared to a chest strap, but once settled, it matched up closely.
For serious training where every beat counts, pairing the watch with an external sensor from Polar, Wahoo, or even Garmin’s own chest straps is still the smarter choice.
When it comes to multiband GNSS, or what others call dual-band or dual frequency GPS, Garmin really shows its strengths.
I’ve tested it on both trail runs and track sessions, and the route mapping was impressively tight, with almost no GPS drift—even in crowded city areas.
It gets even better with activities like open water swims, thanks to Garmin’s post-processing tech that improves position tracking where normal GPS tends to fail.
Swimming with this watch feels a lot more reliable than older models I’ve used.
In short, the Fenix 8 blends its advanced heart rate sensor with powerful GPS tracking in a way that makes it dependable for most athletes.
While wrist-based HR can still falter in intense or hot conditions, the overall performance is strong, and the GPS accuracy is right up there with the best I’ve tested.
It’s the kind of watch that gives you the confidence to push your training without second-guessing the data.
Long-Term Use and Responsibility:
What stood out to me with the Fenix 8 is how Garmin has started thinking about sustainability in ways that matter to users who keep their watches for years.
The watch is generally repairable, which means you don’t have to replace it the moment something goes wrong.
I especially appreciate that the battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging.
This feature has proven true in my real-world use so far.
While the Fenix 8 doesn’t use any recycled materials, Garmin compensates with its long-term approach.
The company provides at least two years of security updates, though in my past experience with their watches, support usually goes on for far longer.
This gives me confidence that the watch won’t be outdated too quickly.
Garmin also plays its part with broader responsibility by offering trade-in schemes for some product lines and following WEEE and local electronics recycling laws.
It may not be the most eco-friendly watch on paper.
Still, from a practical perspective, the durability, repairability, and reliable update cycle make it a device you won’t need to discard often, which, to me, is a strong step toward sustainability.
Specifications:
| Brand | Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Display | AMOLED 1.4-inch, 454 x 454 resolution |
| Case Size | 43mm, 47mm, 51mm |
| Band Size | 20mm, 22mm, 26mm (quick fit) |
| Weight | 44g to 74g (depends on model) |
| Battery Life | 29 days (smartwatch mode), 62 hours (GPS) |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Water Resistance | 10ATM (100 meters) |
| Sensors | Multi-band GNSS, compass, heart rate, pulse Ox, depth sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| GPS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Display Resolution | 454 x 454 |
| Diving | Up to 40 meters (recreational diving) |
| Mic & Speaker | Built-in mic and speaker |
| Smart Features | Garmin Pay, music control, notifications |
Mapping Made Smarter:
One of the things that makes the Garmin Fenix 8 stand out is its strong mapping and navigation support.
I’ve used plenty of outdoor watches, but few come close to what Garmin puts on the wrist here.
The new AMOLED screen gives the maps a much more vibrant look, and the added touchscreen support makes moving around them feel natural.
You can zoom in, scroll, and clearly see terrain contour lines that add real detail to the topo maps.
The big update is the dynamic round-trip routing.
With this feature, you can set a distance and let the watch create a loop that brings you back to where you started without taking any extra detours.
When I tested it on a trail and deliberately went off course, the Fenix 8 quickly recalculated and adjusted the path.
It wasn’t instant—it took a few minutes—but it felt reliable and more suited for longer hikes or treks rather than quick runs.
Garmin has really taken mapping up a notch here, and in my experience, it’s one of the watch’s most useful features.
While the Fenix 7, 7 Pro, or even the Epix Pro still offer strong mapping support, the Fenix 8 feels a step ahead with its clearer screen, effective route adjustment, and the kind of tools that give you confidence when heading into unknown terrain.
Smarter Control on the Wrist:
The Garmin Fenix 8 now has voice control, which I first saw Garmin try out on the Venu series.
Just like with the Venu 3, you can use it to call up your phone’s smart assistant and make or take calls over Bluetooth.
It’s a nice surprise to see these features in such a tough watch.
I used voice commands to check my heart rate, set a timer, and start a workout without touching the screen.
There was a short pause, but it worked.
It’s not instant, but for long runs or hikes, talking to the watch instead of tapping makes things easier.
My favourite feature was using the microphone and speaker to record quick voice notes.
With geotags, I could look back and see exactly where I had a random idea during a run.
Playback worked well, but I found myself wanting a bit more volume.
I might not use these features daily, but I can see others appreciating them as nice extras.
What impresses me most is how the Fenix 8 includes all this while still being a tough, outdoor-focused watch.
Garmin has really found a good balance between durability and smart features.
Final Thoughts:
The Garmin Fenix 8 feels like a natural step forward, especially when you look at how it now matches up with Apple and Samsung in areas like voice assistants. Having used earlier Garmin models, the shift to a crisp OLED screen makes a big difference. It looks modern and clear compared to the old LCDs, and even though you lose a bit of battery, I still managed around a solid seven days on one charge. If you want more endurance, there are still solar-charging versions with the more basic LCDs, but personally, I find the OLED worth it.
Where Garmin really shines, though, is in sports tracking. The sheer number of activity metrics it offers is unmatched. I honestly don’t think anyone could use everything it can track, but whether it’s running, hiking, or something more niche, the Fenix 8 seems to have it covered. The built-in torch is another underrated feature — I didn’t expect to use it much, but it quickly became one of those small everyday tools I relied on.
Of course, nothing is perfect. While Garmin has improved its smartwatch functions, it still lags behind Wear OS and Apple in that area. For me, though, the rugged design, reliable tracking, and practical extras make it the watch I’d trust when heading outdoors, even if some of the “smarter” parts still need catching up.
FAQS:
Can you reply to WhatsApp on Garmin Fenix 8?
Yes, you can reply to WhatsApp messages on the Garmin Fenix 8, but only by using preset quick replies while your watch is connected to your phone.
Can Fenix 8 answer phone calls?
You can answer phone calls on the Fenix 8 using its built-in speaker and microphone. This is handy if you want to leave your phone in your pocket.
Does Garmin Fenix work without a phone?
The Garmin Fenix 8 can track your sports and activities even without your phone. However, you’ll need a connection for syncing and notifications.
Are maps free on Fenix 8?
Maps come free with the Fenix 8, so you can use them for navigation and outdoor activities at no extra cost.
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Luis Cooper
Hi, I'm Luis, the guy behind this site. I love wearing watches, especially ones that look great on small wrists (mine are about 6.3" around). The Watches Geek is dedicated to helping you learn about and buy watches that you will love wearing. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best watches to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Thewatchesgeek.