Garmin Fenix 8 Hands-On: Leaked Images Reveal Microphone & Speaker

Leaked images of the highly anticipated Garmin Fenix 8 have surfaced, confirming many of the details we already know, following the recent Garmin Fenix 8 leaks.

This latest leak originates from the Ukrainian tech blog keddr.com.

Design and Display

The leaked images reveal some significant changes to the Fenix’s design, most notably in the display department. It appears that Garmin is finally making the switch to an AMOLED display for the Fenix 8 series. This marks a departure from the traditional Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays that have been a hallmark of the Fenix line for years.

The move to AMOLED is likely to be met with mixed reactions from Fenix enthusiasts. On one hand, AMOLED displays offer vibrant colours and deeper blacks, which could enhance the overall visual experience, especially when viewing maps or detailed fitness data. On the other hand, AMOLED screens typically consume more power than MIP displays, which could potentially impact the Fenix’s renowned battery life.

Another notable change is the reduction in bezel size, resulting in a larger display area. This increased screen real estate could improve the readability of on-screen information and provide a more immersive experience when using the watch’s various features. However, it’s worth noting that this change might not be universal across all Fenix 8 models. There are indications that Garmin may introduce a Fenix 8 ‘E’ series, which could retain the larger bezel and smaller display of previous generations.

Garmin Fenix 8 New Features

Perhaps the most significant addition to the Fenix 8 is the inclusion of a microphone and speaker. This is a first for the Fenix series and could open up a range of new functionalities. The leaked images show a screen with a microphone/smartphone icon, strongly suggesting the presence of these new components.

The addition of a microphone and speaker could enable features such as voice control, voice-to-text input, and even the ability to make and receive phone calls directly from the watch. These capabilities would bring the Fenix series more in line with other smartwatches on the market, potentially broadening its appeal beyond its traditional outdoor and fitness-focused user base.

However, it’s important to approach these new features with a critical eye. While they may enhance the watch’s versatility, they could also complicate its interface and potentially impact its battery life. It remains to be seen how well Garmin will integrate these new capabilities without compromising the Fenix’s core strengths of ruggedness and long battery life.

Heart Rate Sensor and Health Tracking

The Fenix 8 is expected to feature Garmin’s latest Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor. This new sensor promises improved accuracy and responsiveness compared to its predecessor, which could lead to more reliable fitness and health tracking.

The new sensor appears to have a wider footprint on the skin and boasts an impressive array of hardware: 6 green LEDs, 4 receptors, 2 orange LEDs, and an electrical isolation ring. This setup should allow for more data points and better cross-validation, potentially eliminating inaccuracies that have plagued some previous models.

One exciting possibility is the addition of skin temperature monitoring. While this feature might not seem immediately useful to the average user, it could contribute to more accurate health and wellness insights. For instance, it could improve the detection of sleep stages, ovulation cycles, and even early signs of illness.

There are also rumours of ECG functionality, although this might not be available at launch due to pending FDA clearance. When implemented, this feature could support the detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or normal sinus rhythm, adding another layer to the Fenix’s health monitoring capabilities.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery life has always been a crucial factor for Garmin users, especially those who rely on their watches for multi-day adventures. While the move to an AMOLED display might raise concerns about power consumption, Garmin has been making strides in power-saving features with their current models.

The Fenix 8 is expected to continue this trend, potentially offering even better battery life than its predecessors. There’s speculation about the inclusion of a Solar model with Garmin’s Power Glass technology, which could significantly extend the watch’s autonomy, but this latest leak does not indicate that solar will be used. It may get updated with a solar model in the future.

Keddr stated that their sample has a 65% charge, and the Fenix ​​8 showed another 2 weeks of battery life.

However, it’s important to note that the addition of new features like the microphone and speaker could potentially offset some of these gains. It will be interesting to see how Garmin balances these new capabilities with the need for long battery life.

Software and User Interface

Keddr and the previous leaks show that the Fenix 8 has an updated UI and Keddr states that there will be now sports modes including  diving and diving with a mask.

Pricing and Availability

While official pricing information is not yet available, leaked information suggests that the Fenix 8 series might see a slight price increase compared to its predecessors.

The models that are due to launch soon are priced at:

• Garmin Fenix 8 (43 mm): 999 Euro
• Garmin Fenix 8 (47 mm): 1.099 Euro
• Garmin Fenix 8 (51 mm): 1.199 Euro
• Garmin Fenix E (47 mm): 799 Euro
• Garmin Enduro 3 (51mm): 1.199 Euro

As for availability, the Fenix 8 is expected to be released on Tuesday, the 27th of August.

Conclusion

The Fenix 8, based on the leaked information, appears to be another great flagship watch from Garmin.

By incorporating features like an AMOLED display, microphone, and speaker, Garmin seems to be positioning the Fenix to compete more directly with general-purpose smartwatches while still maintaining its focus on outdoor and fitness enthusiasts.

However, the success of these changes will depend on how well Garmin implements them. The company will need to carefully balance the new features with the Fenix’s traditional strengths of long battery life, ruggedness, and comprehensive fitness tracking. They’ll also need to ensure that the user interface remains intuitive despite the addition of new capabilities.

For potential buyers, the Fenix 8 could offer an exciting blend of traditional Garmin strengths with new smartwatch features. However, those who prioritise battery life or prefer a simpler interface might want to wait for reviews before making a decision.

As always, with leaked information, it’s important to approach these details with a degree of scepticism. Until Garmin officially announces the Fenix 8, we won’t know for certain what features it will include or how it will perform. Nonetheless, these leaks provide an intriguing glimpse into what could be the next evolution of one of the most popular outdoor smartwatch lines on the market.