For more than a week, we watched the gradual unveiling of new smart watches-sport testers Garmin Fenix 8. But now Garmin has introduced the watch and we can separate speculation from reality. So what do we get with the new Fenix 8?
Garmin is confident, it has increased the price a lot
It is said to be the biggest update of the cult series in history. Since the AMOLED display appeared in the Phoenix, it is clear that the Epix series will end. But Garmin has not abandoned the older type of MIP display either, which is why orientation in the range of models in the Fénix series is more complicated than before.
We will try to make an overview and immediately list the official prices. If they have a range, there are other variants that differ in the material of the body (steel or titanium), the cover glass (sapphire or Gorilla Glass) or the type of strap (plastic, metal, leather).
Phoenix 8 AMOLED
- 43 mm: 24,490 CZK to 29,990 CZK
- 47 mm: 24,990 CZK to 32,490 CZK
- 51 mm: 27,490 CZK to 32,490 CZK
Fénix 8 Solar (with MIP display)
- 47 mm: 27,490 CZK
- 51 mm: CZK 29,990
Fénix E (with AMOLED display)
Fénix 8, including the cheaper E model, exists in eighteen models. All variants are described in detail in the gallery.
What about the prices? Due to the many variants, the comparison is more difficult. But let’s at least look at some older comparable models:
- Epix Pro 47mm, Sapphire: 23,490 CZK – Phoenix 8 AMOLED 47 mm: CZK 27,490
- Epix Pro 51mm, Sapphire: 25,990 CZK – Phoenix 8 AMOLED 51 mm: 29,990 CZK
- Fénix 7 Pro 47mm, Sapphire: 20,990 CZK – Phoenix 8 Solar 47 mm: CZK 27,490
- Fénix 7 Pro 51mm, Sapphire: 23,490 CZK – Phoenix 8 Solar 51 mm: 29,990 CZK
We list Garmin’s official prices for both older and new models. Even from this small comparison, it can be seen that it is a significant increase in price: four thousand upwards for the AMOLED models and even over six thousand for the older type of display.
what’s new
New display type: AMOLED is not new to Garmin, it was previously in the Epix line which had the same features as the Fénix watch with a MIP trans-reflective display. Now you can choose the type of display for Fénixes. It does not affect the price too much, AMOLED is cheaper in the basic variants.
The display will also be slightly larger. Specifically, for the 47 mm AMOLED model, it now has a diameter of 35.6 mm, previously it measured 33 mm for the Epix. The resolution has also been increased from 416 x 416 px to 454 x 454 px. Disappointingly, the MIP/Solar version remains at 33 millimeters in diameter and at 260 x 260 pixels. The arguments for AMOLED are therefore increasing, while the surcharge compared to last year’s generation is greater for MIP/Solar than for AMOLED versions. Are we to understand that Garmin wants to gradually dim this version of the display? I can imagine that next year the MIP will only be on the Enduro model, but that’s really just my speculation.
The solar charging of the MIP display has a higher power, said to be 50% more than before.
Telephone support: The watch does not support eSIM to communicate on its own, it needs a connected mobile phone. But there is a microphone and speaker inside and you can make calls through the watch. Garmin has tried this function before with cheaper Venu models.
New waterproof buttons: Fénixes have new buttons that previously only the Descent diving models boasted. They do not require holes in the body, they detect pressure inductively.
Garmin Share: Stored data (points, routes, training) can be directly shared between the watch and other devices (for example, cycle computers).
Voice control: We don’t know the details yet, but the microphone in the body of the watch should be able to call up some functions by voice. Or maybe set an alarm clock. Voice messaging will also be available – we’ll see if only within the company Messenger, or if it will also be possible to send regular SMS messages via the connected phone.
Garmin only briefly mentioned the fact that it is a new function, the voice functions during the presentation and showed a single slide. No sample. However, I was intrigued by the mention of the new Voice Notes feature. Do you also enter a different state of consciousness during sports? This is perhaps an unnecessarily bold label, but in short, the brain has time to function differently during monotonous running, to solve other things, and with that, ideas start to come. With Voice Notes, you write them into the watch’s memory, Garmin provides them with GPS coordinates, and then you can play them back (for now only in the watch, later also in the application).
ECG measurement: We do not yet know if it will also be available in EU countries.
Improved sensors of satellite systems: New support for QZSS and Beidou.
Immersion depth sensor: Up to 40 m. It is interesting that for years Fénixes were described as “waterproof to 100 meters”, but in practice this means more reliable resistance when swimming, when you hit the surface with the watch and strong pressure shocks are created.
New sports activities: When comparing the specifications, we found the new items virtual running, scuba diving and freediving. When running, the watch can predict the result and evaluate the benefit of the exercise.
Diving: For “real” diving, Garmin now has a long section with many items in the parameters table. What the specialized Descent model was able to do, the Fénixes now have. At the presentation, Garmin representatives said that the Fénix 8 received “the basic diving features” that specialized diving models have. Diving only up to 40 meters (then the software starts sending you back to the surface). The Apple Watch Ultra has it anyway, and it’s enough for 99% of amateur dives. The Garmin Descent watch can up to 200 meters.
New Silicone Straps: They have internal serrations, even in the last generation they were flat. The new type is supposed to ensure better ventilation of the skin. Small thing, but if you have your watch on your hand all the time…
The new colored element on the side is called Sensor Guard and it covers the microphone, speaker, and probably also the barometer and depth gauge.
And what’s left
Lamp: There are two powerful LEDs in the body of the watch that can light up and flash with different intensities, white and red.
Original charging connector: Garmin is sticking with its proprietary charging connector. On the one hand, it’s annoying, the connector liked to corrode in the past, it wears out and falls apart, the cables stop working over time. On the other hand, it is still true that you will not need to charge the Fénix as often as with other watches. The durability here is sometimes calculated for weeks.
This is a bit of a disappointment, earlier speculations promised wireless charging, but it may not have come to fruition.
The Fénix 8 watch, like the previous models, is a top sports tester, a universal outdoor watch with an attractive design. They record dozens of sports activities, communicate with a connected phone, and have a number of smart functions.
Phoenix E: Remnant of the old generation
This poor relative in the offer of the prestigious Fénix series is a novelty. Strangely, it too has a touchscreen AMOLED, but while the 8 series increases the display diameter to 35.6 mm (1.4″), the Fénix E remains at last year’s 33 mm (1.3″).
However, it cannot be said that it is the renamed Epix model of last year, because it had that one LED flashlight, Fénix E does not have it. We consider this a big loss – at least until you can buy significantly cheaper Epixes in stores.
The body is made of steel in two versions (black and raw steel), the display is protected by Gorilla Glass. The size is the only one, middle 47 mm. The indicated endurance is the same 16 days in smartwatch mode as for the 8 series. The integrated memory has 16 GB, i.e. the same as for the “glass” versions of the Fénix 8.
They skimped on multi-band GPS, so the smart SatIQ switching is also missing, the Fénix E also lacks a depth sensor. The Elevate optical sensor is in the older 4th generation, so it can’t do EKG and it won’t measure your skin temperature. Support calls via Bluetooth and voice assistant in the specification we see, item voice control on the contrary, it is missing – when practice shows what the difference actually is.
