Garmin Fenix 8 Review vs Epix Gen 2 – Amazing watch but not worth the insane price

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is the latest iteration of Garmin’s flagship multisport GPS watch series. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Fenix 8 Pro introduces several new features and refinements aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and tech-savvy users alike.

While this is undeniably the best multi-sports watch on the market, the big question is whether it represents good value for money?

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Garmin Fenix 8 Models – AMOLED & MIPs / Solar

Garmin has (sort of) streamlined its lineup with the Fenix 8, offering both AMOLED and Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) solar display options across various sizes. The range now includes:

• 51mm version (largest)
• 47mm version (mid-size)
• 43mm version (smallest, up from 42mm in previous generations)

Notably, Garmin has dropped the ‘X’ and ‘S’ designations for the largest and smallest versions, simplifying the naming convention, but added a new more affordable Fenix E. The company has also merged the Epix lineup into the Fenix series. While that may be designed to reduce confusion, I personally think the product lineup is more confusing than ever.

You currently have the Fenix in three sizes. The 43mm version is only available with an AMOLED display due to technical limitations in combining the solar panel with the MIP display in the smaller form factor. The 47mm and 51mm versions offer both AMOLED and MIP solar options, with the 47mm AMOLED variant featuring the same 1.4-inch display as the larger 51mm model.

Most variants have a standard model, a Sapphire glass and titanium model, and the Fenix E, which is listed on the same product page. That would then leave you with ten variants of the Fenix 8 and a single Fenix E (for now, at least), and that’s before you start looking at the different colourways and straps.

For the MIP solar versions, Garmin has increased the solar efficiency of the ring around the display. Interestingly, they’ve removed the translucent solar panel that previously covered the entire display, aiming to improve readability and contrast.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 Pro vs Epix Gen 2 Pro Specification

When comparing the Fenix 8 Pro to its predecessors, several key differences emerge:

1. Display: The Fenix 8 offers both AMOLED and MIP solar options, while the Fenix 7 Pro was limited to MIP solar displays. The Epix Gen 2 Pro featured only AMOLED displays.
2. Size options: The Fenix 8 comes in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, with the smallest size increased from 42mm in previous generations.
3. Battery life: The 47mm and 51mm versions of the Fenix 8 boast improved battery life compared to their predecessors, while the 43mm version maintains similar battery performance despite the larger display.
4. Buttons: The Fenix 8 introduces new leak-proof buttons using inductive sensor technology, a departure from the traditional physical buttons found on the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Gen 2 Pro.
5. Dive capability: The Fenix 8 is now certified for recreational single-gas diving up to 40 meters, a feature not present in previous models.
6. Speaker and microphone: The Fenix 8 includes a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling voice commands, call handling, and audio playback – features absent from the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Gen 2 Pro.
7. User interface: The Fenix 8 introduces a revamped user interface with improved customisation options and a new activity stages concept.

Garmin Fenix 8 New Features

The Fenix 8 introduces several new features that set it apart from its predecessors:

1. Leak-proof buttons: Utilising inductive sensor technology, these buttons eliminate the need for physical holes in the case, enhancing water resistance and enabling dive functionality.
2. Dive capability: Certified for recreational single-gas diving up to 40 meters, with a dedicated dive profile and features like surface interval tracking and time-to-fly calculations.
3. Speaker and microphone: Enables voice commands, phone calls, voice assistant access, and audio playback directly from the watch.
4. Revamped user interface: Includes a new notification centre, improved widget designs, and a temporary touch unlock feature for easier interaction during activities.
5. Activity stages: A new concept that organises activity-related functions into three stages or lanes, accessible via swiping or button presses.
6. Dynamic round-trip routing: Creates a course based on a specified target distance and dynamically updates turn-by-turn instructions as you deviate from the original route.
7. Enhanced ski maps: Leverages existing ski run information to provide more detailed post-activity statistics, including difficulty ratings of completed runs.
8. Strength training plans: Introduces long-term and sport-specific strength training plans to help users achieve their fitness goals.
9. Garmin Share: Use this feature to easily share saved locations, courses and workouts with friends’ compatible Garmin devices.

Unboxing / Design / Build Quality

The Fenix 8 maintains the rugged, premium design aesthetic of its predecessors while introducing subtle refinements. The watch comes packaged with the standard accessories, including a charging cable and documentation.

Upon unboxing, the most noticeable design change is the new sensor guard on the right side of the case, which protects the barometer and one of the microphones. The watch retains its robust build quality, with a durable metal bezel and fibre-reinforced polymer case.

The introduction of leak-proof buttons is a significant design update. While these buttons provide haptic feedback, some users might find the lack of a physical click less satisfying compared to previous models. However, this change enables the watch’s new dive capabilities and potentially improves long-term durability.

Despite the addition of new features like the speaker and microphone, Garmin has managed to maintain the watch’s 10 ATM water resistance rating. The overall build quality remains excellent, living up to the Fenix series’ reputation for durability and reliability in challenging environments.

I own the Epix Gen 2 (non-pro), and one of the more noticeable differences is the new larger display. Garmin has slimmed down the bezel, and you now have a 35.56 mm (1.4”) diameter disp[lay with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels vs 1.3″ and 416 x 416 pixels.

Watch User Interface

Garmin has implemented a substantial overhaul of the user interface with the Fenix 8, aiming to improve navigation and accessibility of the watch’s numerous features.

Key changes to the user interface include:

1. Customisable text size: Users can now choose from a wider range of font sizes during the initial setup process, enhancing readability.
2. Notification centre: Pressing the up button from the watch face now leads directly to a dedicated notification centre, consolidating alerts from texts, calls, and apps.
3. Improved widgets: Many widgets have been redesigned to make better use of screen real estate, featuring more detailed charts, graphs, and colour schemes.
4. Temporary touch unlock: A new feature that allows users to quickly unlock the touchscreen with a swipe from the top, improving ease of use during activities.
5. Revamped activity menu: The start button now reveals a two-section menu, with activities at the top and other apps and functions below. Users can pin their favourite activities for quicker access.
6. Activity stages: During activities, users can swipe left or right to access different ‘stages’ or ‘lanes’ of information, including data pages, music controls, and settings.

Voice/Speaker/Mic/Calling Features

The addition of a speaker and microphone to the Fenix 8 brings several new capabilities to the watch:

1. Voice commands: Users can access various functions through voice commands, such as starting activities, setting timers, or saving waypoints.
2. Phone calls: The watch can handle calls when paired with a smartphone, allowing users to speak and listen directly through the watch.
3. Voice assistant: Users can access their phone’s voice assistant (e.g., Siri or Google Assistant) through the watch.
4. Audio playback: The speaker enables playback of music stored on the watch, although the quality is understandably limited given the small size of the speaker.
5. Enhanced notifications: The speaker adds audio cues to various notifications and alerts, providing a more engaging user experience.
6. Voice notes: Users can record geotagged voice notes during activities, which can be accessed later through the watch or Garmin Connect app.

To use the voice features you hold down the upper right button (activity button) and wait for it to say listening. The voice commands are processed on the device itself, and because it is not always listening, there is less of a privacy concern for users.

I was particularly bothered about the voice commands, but after trying them out a few times, it does grow on you. In particular, I found it handy during runs, allowing me to use voice commands without digging my phone out or trying to change the watch settings while sweating and running.

Garmin Share

Garmin Share is a feature that allows users to share their real-time location, activity data, and other information with friends and family. While not exclusive to the Fenix 8, this feature continues to be an important part of the Garmin ecosystem, enhancing safety and social aspects of outdoor activities.

The feature enables users to:

1. Share live tracking during activities
2. Send automated messages at specific points during an activity
3. Allow designated contacts to view real-time location and activity data
4. Share completed activities and achievements

Garmin Share integrates well with the Fenix 8 other features, particularly benefiting from the improved GPS accuracy and battery life of the new model.

Sports Tracking Performance

The Fenix 8 maintains Garmin’s reputation for comprehensive and accurate sports tracking across a wide range of activities. The watch comes preloaded with profiles for numerous sports, including running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and now diving.

Key aspects of sports tracking performance include:

1. Multisport support: The watch seamlessly transitions between different sports, making it ideal for triathletes and multisport athletes.
2. Advanced metrics: The Fenix 8 provides detailed data for various sports, including running dynamics, cycling power, and swim stroke analysis.
3. Training load and recovery: The watch offers insights into training effectiveness, suggesting recovery times and optimal training loads.
4. Customisable data screens: Users can tailor the information displayed during activities to suit their preferences and training needs.
5. Auto-detection: The watch can automatically detect and start tracking certain activities, such as walking or running.

In terms of features and performance in comparison to the Fenix 7 Pro/Epix Gen 2 Pro, there is almost no noticeable difference for most users. I think the only thing I have found semi-useful is the dynamic round-trip routing.

GPS Accuracy

GPS accuracy is a crucial aspect of any sports watch, and the Fenix 8 delivers impressive performance in this area. The watch utilises a multi-band (dual-frequency) GNSS chipset, which provides excellent accuracy across various environments.

In testing, the Fenix 8 demonstrated:

1. Consistent accuracy in open areas: During road and gravel rides, the GPS tracks were nearly perfect, with minimal deviation from the actual route.
2. Good performance in challenging conditions: In mountain biking scenarios with tree cover and switchbacks, the watch maintained good accuracy, with only minor deviations on tight corners.
3. Reasonable accuracy in urban environments: While not perfect, the Fenix 8 Pro performed adequately in tight urban streets, a notoriously challenging environment for GPS devices.

The watch also features a SatIQ mode, which automatically switches between different satellite modes based on signal strength, optimising battery life without sacrificing accuracy.

Overall, the GPS accuracy of the Fenix 8 is on par with other multi-band (dual-frequency) GNSS watches such as the Fenix 7 Pro/Epix Gen 2 Pro.

Heart Rate Accuracy

The Fenix 8 utilises Garmin’s fifth-generation Elevate heart rate sensor, which also includes ECG capabilities in select countries. Currently, the ECG function is only available for US users, so I have not tested it.

Heart rate accuracy is generally good across various activities, though as with all wrist-based optical heart rate sensors, some limitations persist.

Key observations on heart rate accuracy include:

1. Steady-state activities: During indoor cycling with steady-state sections and intervals, the Fenix 8 heart rate readings closely matched those of chest strap and arm-based heart rate monitors.
2. Running: The watch performed well during running activities, with only minor delays in detecting rapid heart rate changes at peaks and troughs.
3. Road and gravel cycling: Despite the additional challenges posed by road vibrations, the Fenix 8 maintained good accuracy, with only occasional fluctuations.
4. Strength training and high-intensity intervals: While not perfect, the watch performed reasonably well in these challenging scenarios, tracking high-intensity intervals accurately but struggling somewhat with activities involving significant arm movement or gripping.

It’s worth noting that for activities where maximum heart rate accuracy is crucial, users may still prefer to pair the watch with a chest strap heart rate monitor for the most precise readings. Additionally, I find any activity that requires you to hold onto something, such as bike handlebars, and when using the rowing machine, the accuracy has a tendency to go wildly off, which is true for all sports watches I have tried.

Running Power vs Garmin HRM Pro vs Stryd

The Fenix 8 includes Garmin’s native running power metric, which competes with third-party solutions like Stryd. Running power can be a useful metric for pacing and training, providing an alternative to heart rate or pace-based training. Some key points when comparing Garmin running power with Stryd:

1. Garmin’s running power doesn’t require additional sensors, unlike Stryd, which uses a foot pod.
2. Running power appears to be calculated differently between brands and is not consistent, unlike cycling power. Garmin registers much higher power than Stryd. If switching between the two, you will need to factor in these differences.
3. The accuracy and consistency of Garmin’s running power have improved over previous generations.

For most users, Garmin’s built-in running power will likely be sufficient, but serious runners who have invested in the Stryd ecosystem may prefer to continue using their existing setup.

I also looked at the numbers when using the Garmin HRM Pro with my Epix Gen 2 and the Fenix 8. The Garmin HRM Pro appears to record a higher power for runs; in my most recent run, it was around 10 watts different at the start of the run and up to 40 watts difference as I spread up towards the end.

However, if you look at the below image, the running power from the Garmin HRM Pro looks a bit chaotic and I would assume the the Fenix 8 Pro is more accurate.

Running Dynamics

The Fenix 8 continues to offer comprehensive running dynamics data, which can be particularly useful for athletes looking to improve their form and efficiency. These metrics include:

1. Cadence
2. Ground contact time
3. Vertical oscillation
4. Stride length
5. Vertical ratio
6. Ground contact time balance

All these matrics are also on the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Gen 2.

Mapping / Navigation

The Fenix 8 builds upon Garmin’s strong foundation in mapping and navigation, introducing several refinements and new features:

1. Updated map interface: The map page now includes a new map scale indicator and easier toggling between track-up and north-up orientations.
2. Layer toggling: Users can quickly toggle different map layers on and off directly from the map screen.
3. Improved navigation menu: A new interface accessible via the start button when on the map page provides quick access to various navigation controls.
4. Dynamic round-trip routing: This new feature allows users to specify a target distance, and the watch will create a route. If the user deviates from the original course, the watch dynamically updates turn-by-turn instructions to maintain the desired distance.
5. Enhanced ski maps: The watch now provides more detailed post-activity statistics for skiing and snowboarding, including a breakdown of run difficulties based on GPS data matched to known ski runs.

Then, the watch also has a slightly larger display with a higher resolution, so the overall navigation performance is a nice upgrade from the previous generation but I wouldn’t say it is significant.

Performance Stats

The Fenix 8 offers a wide array of performance statistics to help users track their fitness and progress over time. These include:

1. VO2 Max estimates
2. Training Status
3. Training Load
4. Recovery Time
5. Performance Condition
6. Lactate Threshold (with compatible sensor)
7. FTP (Functional Threshold Power) for cycling

Again, all these are available on the previous generation.

These metrics provide users with insights into their current fitness level, the effectiveness of their training, and guidance on how to optimise their workouts. The Fenix 8 improved sensors and algorithms may result in more accurate and responsive performance stats compared to previous models.

Training Status / Training Readiness / Training Effect

The Fenix 8 continues to offer Garmin’s suite of training analysis features:

1. Training Status: Provides an overview of whether your training is productive, peaking, or detraining.
2. Training Readiness: Estimates how ready you are for a challenging workout based on sleep, recovery, and recent training load.
3. Training Effect: Quantifies the impact of each activity on your aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

These features work together to give users a comprehensive view of their training progress and help them make informed decisions about their workout plans. The Fenix 8 improved processing power may result in more nuanced and accurate training insights compared to previous models.

Endurance Score

The Endurance Score is a relatively new metric introduced by Garmin that aims to quantify a user’s overall endurance fitness.

Health Features

The Fenix 8 continues to offer a comprehensive suite of health monitoring features, building upon Garmin’s established reputation in this area.

Health Snapshot

The Health Snapshot feature allows users to record a short session that captures key health metrics, including heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen level, respiration rate, and stress. This provides a quick overview of your current health status and can be useful for tracking trends over time.

Morning Report

The Morning Report feature provides a daily summary of your sleep, recovery status, and training outlook. This helps users start their day with actionable insights about their readiness for exercise and overall health status.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep tracking on the Fenix 8 is comprehensive, offering detailed breakdowns of sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep. The watch also provides a sleep score and offers insights into sleep quality and duration.

HRV Status (Heart Rate Variability) & Heart Rate

The Fenix 8 continues to offer HRV status tracking, which can provide insights into overall stress levels and recovery. The watch measures HRV throughout the night and provides a status based on your personal baseline.

Continuous heart rate monitoring is also available, with the watch tracking your heart rate 24/7 and providing alerts for abnormally high or low heart rates.

Pulse Ox / Pulse Ox Acclimation

The Pulse Ox feature measures blood oxygen saturation levels, which can be particularly useful for sleep tracking and altitude acclimation. Users can choose to measure Pulse Ox continuously, during sleep only, or on-demand.

Battery Life

Battery life has been improved in the Fenix 8, particularly for the 47mm and 51mm versions. The exact battery life will vary depending on usage patterns, display settings, and features enabled.

For the 47mm AMOLED version:

• Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days
• GPS mode: Up to 42 hours
• GPS mode with music: Up to 15 hours
• All-systems GNSS mode with multi-band: Up to 26 hours
• Max battery GPS mode: Up to 130 hours

During my testing, I wore both the Fenix 8 and Epix Gen 2 (non-pro). The claimed battery life is not significantly different, and I found the overall performance to be similar. The after 2 days of use and one long outdoor run, I did notice the Epix had more battery than the Fenix, but the Fenix had All-systems GNSS mode with multi-band enabled so this likely contributed to the increased usage.

I then wore the Fenix 8 for almost a week before I charged it. This included 1-2 hours per day of fitness tracking, most of which were outdoors with GPS.

The memory-in-pixel (MIP) solar versions offer even longer battery life, with the potential for indefinite use in certain conditions with sufficient solar exposure.

Price and Alternative Options

The Fenix 8 comes with a price increase compared to its predecessors, reflecting the new features and improvements. Prices vary depending on the size and display type:

• 43mm AMOLED: Starting from £870
• 47mm AMOLED: Starting from £870
• 51mm AMOLED: Starting from £950
• 47mm MIP Solar: Starting from £950
• 51mm MIP Solar: Starting from £1040

Alternative options to consider include:

1. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Offers similar functionality without the dive capabilities, speaker, and microphone. May be available at a discount now that the Fenix 8 has launched.
2. Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2): Features an AMOLED display and most of the Fenix 8 features, potentially at a lower price point.
3. Garmin Enduro 3: Focuses on ultra-endurance with exceptional battery life but lacks some of the Fenix 8 newer features.
4. Garmin Fenix E: A more affordable option with core Fenix features but without some of the advanced capabilities of the Fenix 8.
5. Apple Watch Ultra 2: For iOS users, this offers a different ecosystem with some outdoor-focused features.
6. Coros Vertix 2: A rugged multisport watch with long battery life and competitive pricing.

The big problem Garmin has is the fact the older models have had some significant discounts in recent months. I bought the 47 mm Epix (Gen 2) Standard Edition from Garmin for just £360 in slate steel with a black band. If you don’t mind the titanium and Whitestone Band colour wat, then the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) – Sapphire Edition 47mm has been as low as £414 from AMJ Watches and is currently £500. Apart from the speaker and microphone, most people won’t be able to tell the difference, and the 47mm Saphhire variant of the Fenix 8 is £950, so you are paying a 90% premium just for the microphone, speaker and better colourway options. That makes the Fenix 8 a hard sell for most people in my opinion.

Overall

The Garmin Fenix 8 is, without a doubt, the best multi-sports watch I have reviewed, which is a familiar conclusion with the Fenix series.

But it is not as simple as that. Considering the current deep discounts for the previous generation and iterative improvements with the new model, it is very hard to recommend the Garmin Fenix 8 to anyone.

If you are a keen diver or money is not a concern, then by all means, get the Garmin Fenix 8 . It is a brilliant watch, and you won’t regret it.

For the vast majority of people, I really don’t see the point in spending £400+ more on the Fenix 8 when you will get the same experience with the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2).

Sadly, apart from the usual tale of corporate greed, I suspect some of the price differences are due to the more complicated manufacturing process that is required to make this compatible with diving. While it is a welcome addition, I feel that the costs outweigh the benefits. Diving is quite a niche sport and Garmin already had the Descent series for those users.

Of course, this conclusion is based on the current prices at launch, which also coincide with the deep discounts on older models. As time goes by, I am sure we will see the Garmin Fenix 8 drop in price and possibly some of these amazing offers for older models dry up, which would, therefore, make the Fenix 8 much easier to recommend.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

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.