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

With the Garmin Fenix 8 just one day away from launch, we now have quite a lot of information about the new watch, and this post compares the new watch with previous generation Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2.

As always, with the watch not officially launched, I can’t guarantee 100% accuracy, but I will update this page when the official announcement happens.

Update

The Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E and Enduro 3 are now all live on the Garmin website.

Some prices include.

• ēnix 8 – 43 mm, AMOLED
  • Sapphire, Carbon grey DLC titanium with Black/pebble grey silicone band
  • £949.99
• fēnix 8 – 43 mm, AMOLED
  • Sapphire, Soft Gold with Limestone Leather Band
  • £1,039.99
• fēnix 8 – 43 mm, AMOLED
  • Silver with Whitestone silicone band
  • £869.99
• fēnix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED
  • Sapphire, Carbon grey DLC titanium with Black/pebble grey silicone band
  • £949.99
• fēnix 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED
  • Slate grey with Black silicone band
  • £869.99
• fēnix 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED
  • Sapphire, Titanium with Vented titanium bracelet
  • £1,119.99
• fēnix 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED
  • Sapphire, Carbon grey DLC with Chestnut leather band
  • £1,119.99
• fēnix 8 – 47 mm, Solar, Sapphire
  • Sapphire, Titanium with Amp yellow/graphite silicone band
  • £949.99
• fēnix E 47mm
  • Stainless steel with Black silicone band
  • £689.99

Related Posts

• Garmin Fenix 8 Press Release
• Garmin Fenix 8 Hands-On: Leaked Images Reveal Microphone & Speaker
• Garmin Fenix 8 Release Date will be Tuesday, 27th August
• Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3: New Renders Leak Ahead of IFA 2024

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Specification Comparison Table

Garmin Fenix 8 Images

Garmin Fenix 8 New Features

The Fenix 8 includes a variety of new and improved features that distinguish it from both the Fenix 7 and the Epix Gen 2. These features enhance the watch’s usability across different activities and contexts.

Sport-Specific Training Plans

Garmin has expanded its training features with the Fenix 8, offering tailored plans for various sports such as trail running, skiing, and cycling. These plans are designed to enhance strength, endurance, and reduce injury risk, making them ideal for serious athletes. The Fenix 8’s ability to generate customized workouts based on individual performance metrics further sets it apart from the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2, which offer more generalized training tools.

Diving Functions

One of the standout features of the Fenix 8 is its support for recreational diving. Users can dive up to 40 meters with freediving support, a feature absent in both the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2. The Fenix 8’s waterproof inductive buttons and official diving certification elevate its capabilities for water sports enthusiasts, a notable enhancement over previous models, which lacked the same level of underwater functionality.

Garmin Messenger App

Another key feature of the Fenix 8 is its integration with the Garmin Messenger app. This app allows users to send text messages directly from the smartwatch without needing to pair it with a smartphone. While previous Garmin models supported smartphone notifications, the ability to communicate independently from the phone is a significant convenience for users in remote areas or during outdoor activities where bringing a phone might be impractical.

Premium Maps and Routing

Garmin has always been strong in mapping and navigation, and the Fenix 8 continues this trend with enhanced pre-installed topo maps for Europe, as well as specialized Golf and SkiView maps. These maps are designed to provide users with detailed information, whether they are exploring the outdoors or enjoying a day on the slopes. The Fenix 8 also features Dynamic RoundTrip Routing with automatic recalculation, allowing users to adjust their routes in real-time based on their changing circumstances. This is an incremental improvement over the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2, which offer similar mapping features but lack the same degree of dynamic recalculation.

Garmin Share

The Fenix 8 introduces Garmin Share, a new feature that allows users to share planned routes, workouts, and locations with other compatible Garmin devices. This feature is especially useful for groups of users who want to stay synchronized during their adventures, making it easier to coordinate and follow the same paths or training regimens. Although the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2 support basic sharing of activities, the Fenix 8’s more integrated approach to route and workout sharing makes it a more versatile option for users engaged in group activities.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Display Options

• Fenix 8: Offers both AMOLED and MIP screens in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes.
• Fenix 7: Sticks with MIP displays in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes.
• Epix Gen 2: One size (47mm), AMOLED all the way.

One of the key distinctions between the Fenix 8, Fenix 7, and Epix Gen 2 lies in their display options. Garmin has introduced AMOLED screens to the Fenix 8 lineup in multiple sizes, offering 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm variants. This is a notable step forward from the Fenix 7, which is only available with a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display.

The Epix Gen 2 is similar to the Fenix 8 in offering an AMOLED display, but it lacks the versatility in sizes that the Fenix 8 now boasts. The Epix Gen 2 is available in a single 47mm option with a 1.3-inch display, whereas the Fenix 8 can be configured in three sizes: 43mm (1.3 inches), 47mm (1.4 inches), and 51mm (1.4 inches), depending on the model and screen type. This diversification allows users to select a watch that best fits their wrist size and display preferences.

For those who prefer solar charging, the Fenix 8 offers an MIP Solar-Charging option in the 47mm and 51mm models. However, the AMOLED display models do not feature solar charging, which reflects a trade-off between screen quality and battery efficiency. Meanwhile, the Fenix 7 also has solar variants but lacks the AMOLED option, which remains exclusive to the Epix Gen 2 and Fenix 8.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Battery Life and Solar Panel

• Fenix 8 (51mm AMOLED): Up to 29 days in smartwatch mode
• Fenix 8 (51mm MIP Solar): Up to 48 days in smartwatch mode (always-on display)
• Fenix 7 (47mm): Up to 18 days, can stretch to 28 days with solar
• Epix Gen 2: Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode

Garmin has traditionally prioritised battery life, and the Fenix 8 series continues this focus with substantial improvements. The 51mm AMOLED version of the Fenix 8 boasts up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, a significant leap from the 16 days offered by the Epix Gen 2 and even from the Fenix 7, which tops out at 18 days with solar for the 47mm model.

The Fenix 8 MIP Solar-Charging variant leads the way with an impressive 48 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with an always-on display. This places the Fenix 8 at the top of the lineup in terms of endurance, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures where charging opportunities are limited. By contrast, the Fenix 7’s maximum battery life is 28 days with solar for the larger models.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Build and Water Resistance

Garmin watches have always been known for their rugged build quality, and the Fenix 8 continues this tradition. Its design includes waterproof metal buttons, a side-mounted sensor guard, and testing to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD-810) for durability under extreme conditions. The Fenix 8, like its predecessors, is water-resistant to 100 meters (WR100), and it introduces support for recreational diving up to 40 meters with an official diving certification—a significant enhancement for underwater enthusiasts.

The Fenix 7 also has a 100m water resistance rating but does not offer the same level of diving functionality. Meanwhile, the Epix Gen 2 maintains a high standard of water resistance (10 ATM), though it lacks the dedicated diving features found in the Fenix 8.

Material choices for all three watches remain largely the same, with stainless steel and titanium options available across the board. However, the Fenix 8 introduces some improvements in the buttons, which are now waterproof and inductive, ensuring more reliable performance in wet environments—a key upgrade over the older models.

Garmin Fenix 8 Flashlight

The Fenix 8 includes a built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness, multiple intensities, red light for preserving night vision, and a strobe mode. While the Fenix 7X model included a flashlight, the Fenix 8 improves on this feature by adding these adjustable settings across multiple models, making it more useful in various scenarios. The Epix Gen 2 does not include a flashlight, which may be a consideration for users who require additional light sources during outdoor activities or emergencies.

Garmin Fenix 8 Microphone / Speaker

A significant addition to the Fenix 8 is the inclusion of a microphone and speaker. This new feature allows users to make calls directly from the watch when paired with a smartphone. Additionally, it enables voice commands for various functions, adding a new layer of convenience and hands-free operation to the Fenix series.

Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 vs Epix Gen 2 Price

The Garmin Fenix 8 comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its advanced features and positioning as a top-tier multisport watch. The pricing structure is as follows:

1. Garmin Fenix 8 (43mm): 999 Euro
2. Garmin Fenix 8 (47mm): 1,099 Euro
3. Garmin Fenix 8 (51mm): 1,199 Euro

In comparison, the Fenix 7 was launched with a starting price of $699.99 / £519.99, while the Epix Gen 2 was priced at $899.99. The higher price point of the Fenix 8 is likely justified by its new features, improved display options, and enhanced capabilities.

Garmin Fenix 8 Full Features

Performance & Design:

• Bright AMOLED Display: Experience exceptional clarity and vibrant colors on the stunning AMOLED display, ensuring readability in any condition.
• Rugged Durability: Built to endure the toughest challenges, the Fenix 8 boasts a dive-rated design, leakproof buttons, a protective metal sensor guard, and scratch-resistant lens options.
• Extended Battery Life: Power through your adventures with up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, ensuring you’re always ready for the next challenge.

Unleash Your Voice:

• Built-in Speaker and Microphone: Enjoy the convenience of making and taking phone calls directly from your wrist when paired with your smartphone.
• Offline Voice Commands: Control watch functions and access features hands-free, even when you’re off the grid.
• Smartphone Voice Assistant: Utilize your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages, ask questions, and more, directly from your watch.

Illuminating Your Path:

• Built-in LED Flashlight: Never be caught in the dark with the integrated LED flashlight, offering variable intensities and a red safety light for enhanced awareness.
• Strobe Mode: Stay visible during nighttime runs with the strobe mode, which can even match your running cadence for added safety.

Elevate Your Training:

• Advanced Strength Training: Optimize your strength training with targeted plans, sport-specific workouts, and detailed insights into your performance.
• Sport-Specific Workouts: Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or multisport athlete, the Fenix 8 provides tailored workouts and metrics to elevate your training.
• Endurance Score: Understand your ability to sustain prolonged effort based on VO2 max, training loads, and other key factors.
• Visual Race Predictor: Estimate your potential race pace for various distances, helping you set realistic goals and track your progress.
• PacePro™ Technology: Plan your race-day strategy with GPS-based pace guidance for your chosen course or distance.
• ClimbPro Feature: Conquer any climb with real-time information on your current and upcoming ascents on downloaded courses.
• Training Readiness: Start your day informed with a readiness score based on sleep quality, recovery, training load, and more, helping you optimize your training schedule.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness:

• 24/7 Health and Wellness Features: Monitor your health around the clock with wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, and more.
• Morning Report: Wake up to a personalized overview of your sleep, training outlook, HRV status, and other vital health metrics.
• HRV Status: Gain insights into your overall health, recovery, and training performance by tracking your heart rate variability during sleep.
• Sleep Coach: Improve your sleep quality with personalized coaching, sleep stage tracking, and insights into your sleep patterns.

Navigate with Confidence:

• Enhanced Map Navigation: Explore with confidence using preloaded TopoActive maps, multi-continent coverage, and dynamic round-trip routing for customized adventures.
• SatIQ™ Technology: Experience superior positioning accuracy and optimized battery life with multi-band GPS technology.
• ABC Sensors: Navigate any terrain with the built-in altimeter, barometer, and 3-axis electronic compass.
• Outdoor Maps+: Access premium mapping content, including satellite imagery and enhanced topographic maps, with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription.

Stay Connected:

• Smart Notifications: Stay connected with email, text, and app alerts delivered directly to your wrist when paired with your compatible smartphone.
• Music: Enjoy phone-free listening by downloading songs and playlists from your Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music accounts.
• Garmin Pay™ Contactless Payments: Make secure payments on the go with Garmin Pay, supported by participating providers.

Safety & Tracking Features:

• Incident Detection & Assistance: Stay protected with automatic incident detection and assistance features that can send your live location to emergency contacts.
• LiveTrack: Share your real-time location with friends and family during activities, providing peace of mind and allowing them to follow your progress.

Customize Your Experience:

• Connect IQ™ Store: Personalize your Fenix 8 with downloadable watch faces, data fields, and apps from the Connect IQ store.
• Power Manager: Optimize battery life by adjusting various settings and sensors to extend your adventures.

The Garmin Fenix 8 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s your ultimate companion for a life of performance, exploration, and well-being.

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.