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Garmin is poised to unveil its latest range of premium smartwatches at IFA 2024, with leaked renders providing an early look at the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 models. These new devices are set to bring significant updates to Garmin’s high-end multisport watch lineup, including display improvements and potentially new features.
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Garmin Fenix 8 Series
The Garmin Fenix 8 series appears to be the flagship offering, building upon the success of its predecessors.
Size Options
- 47mm case
- 51mm case
Display Technology
One of the most significant changes for the Fenix 8 series is the adoption of AMOLED displays. This shift is likely to provide better visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and potentially enable always-on display functionality.
Design and Build
The leaked renders suggest that Garmin has maintained the rugged, outdoor-focused design that the Fenix series is known for. The watches appear to feature a metal bezel and multiple physical buttons, consistent with previous iterations.
Solar Charging
Garmin is expected to continue offering solar charging capabilities in the Fenix 8 series, which has been a popular feature for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes.
Potential New Features
While specific details are limited, industry speculation suggests that the Fenix 8 series might introduce:
- Enhanced GPS accuracy
- Improved heart rate monitoring
- Expanded sports tracking modes
- Longer battery life
UK Declaration of Conformity
A leaked UK Declaration of Conformity document for the Fenix 8 series has surfaced, lending credibility to the imminent release of these devices.
Garmin Fenix E
The Fenix E appears to be a new addition to Garmin’s lineup, potentially positioned as a more affordable option within the Fenix range. At the moment, there is very little known about this. The main thing you can see with the leaked images is that it uses the older Elevate sensor and it is believed the display won’t be AMOLED, but the renders indicate otherwise.
Size Option
- 47mm case (only size mentioned in leaks)
Display Technology
The Fenix E is expected to feature a Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display. This technology offers several advantages over AMOLED, particularly for a sports-focused smartwatch. However the images look more like AMOLED. It is possible that Garmin will use LCD which they did with the Garmin Venu SQ
Pros of MIP Displays
- Lower power consumption: MIP displays use significantly less power than AMOLED screens, potentially extending battery life.
- Excellent sunlight visibility: MIP displays are highly readable in bright outdoor conditions, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
- Always-on capability: The low power requirements allow for constant display of information without significant battery drain.
Cons of MIP Displays compared to AMOLED
- Lower resolution and colour depth: MIP displays typically offer fewer pixels and colours than AMOLED screens.
- Less vibrant visuals: The muted colour palette of MIP displays may not be as visually appealing as AMOLED screens.
- Limited contrast: MIP displays may not offer the same level of contrast as AMOLED, particularly in low-light conditions.
Target Market
The Fenix E might be aimed at users who prioritise battery life and outdoor readability over vibrant displays. It could appeal to endurance athletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who value long-lasting performance over flashy visuals.
Garmin Enduro 3
The Enduro series, known for its focus on ultra-endurance athletes, is also getting an update with the Enduro 3.
Size Option
- 51mm case (only size mentioned in leaks)
Key Features
While specific details are limited, the Enduro 3 is likely to build upon its predecessor’s strengths:
- Extended battery life
- Advanced training metrics for endurance sports
- Robust build quality for extreme conditions
Market Positioning and Pricing
Garmin’s strategy with this new lineup appears to be covering a wide range of user needs and price points:
- Fenix 8 Series: Premium, feature-rich option for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who value high-quality displays
- Fenix E: More affordable entry point into the Fenix ecosystem, prioritising battery life and outdoor readability
- Enduro 3: Specialised device for ultra-endurance athletes requiring extended battery life
Pricing details have not been leaked, but we can expect the Fenix 8 series and Enduro 3 to be positioned at the higher end of Garmin’s range, with the Fenix E potentially offering a more competitive price point.
Comparison to Previous Models
The move to AMOLED displays for the Fenix 8 series represents a significant shift from previous models. This change could bring several benefits:
- Improved readability in various lighting conditions
- More vibrant watch faces and data displays
- Possibility of always-on display features
However, it remains to be seen how this will impact battery life, which has been a strong selling point for Garmin watches.
The introduction of the Fenix E model with a MIP display suggests that Garmin is looking to offer a more battery-efficient option within the Fenix line. This could appeal to users who prioritise long-lasting performance over display quality.
Potential Impact on the Smartwatch Market
Garmin’s new lineup could have several implications for the broader smartwatch market:
Competition with Apple and Samsung
The adoption of AMOLED displays in the Fenix 8 series puts Garmin’s premium offerings more directly in competition with the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Watch series in terms of display quality.
Expanding the Premium Segment
By introducing the Fenix E with a MIP display, Garmin might be able to capture a larger share of the premium smartwatch market, offering a battery-efficient version of its flagship without cannibalising sales of the top-tier models.
Focus on Specialisation
The continued development of the Enduro series demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to serving niche markets with highly specialised devices, a strategy that sets it apart from more generalist smartwatch makers.
Anticipated Release and Availability
While exact release dates have not been confirmed, the timing of these leaks suggests that Garmin is preparing for an official announcement at IFA 2024, which typically takes place in early September.
Global availability is expected, with the UK market likely to be among the first to receive the new models, given the leaked UK Declaration of Conformity document.
Conclusion
The leaked renders and information about the Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 suggest that Garmin is refining and expanding its premium smartwatch lineup. The adoption of AMOLED displays for the Fenix 8 series, the introduction of the Fenix E, and the update to the ultra-endurance-focused Enduro 3 indicate that Garmin is aiming to cater to a wide range of users while maintaining its position as a leader in the sports and outdoor smartwatch market.
The decision to use different display technologies across the range demonstrates Garmin’s understanding of diverse user needs. The AMOLED displays in the Fenix 8 series may be contentious as many people are still fond of the MIPS display due to the improved battery life and superior sunlight visibility.
As we await official confirmation and full specifications from Garmin, these leaks provide an exciting glimpse into the future of high-end sports watches. The balance between advanced features, battery life, and display technology will be key factors in determining the success of these new models in an increasingly competitive smartwatch landscape.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
