Garmin has unveiled its brand new high-end watch designed for outdoor sports, trail running, hiking or… diving: the Garmin Fenix 8.
The announcement was expected given the number of leaks in recent months. As expected, Garmin unveiled its brand new high-end sports watch, the new Garmin Fenix 8, on Tuesday.
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If, on paper, this generational change brings major innovations, it must be admitted that this new Garmin watch ultimately shares a lot of aspects with a previous watch from the manufacturer: the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.
A watch that finally goes Amoled
The new Garmin Fenix 8 finally adopts Amoled screen technology, instead of the transflective MIP that still differentiated the Fenix range from the Epix watches. In addition, it will take the same Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor from the Fenix 7 Pro and the Epix Pro Gen 2, as well as the integrated flashlight on the two previous Garmin watches.
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This does not mean that the Garmin Fenix 8 is missing out on new features. First, in terms of the interface. It benefits from a new user interface, inherited not from the Epix models, but from the Forerunner watches with Amoled screens: the Forerunner 165, the Forerunner 265 and the Forerunner 965.
It must be said that this interface, richer in animations and gradients, is much more pleasant to the eye and less austere than that of the Epix Pro Gen 2. The watch also takes advantage of this new interface to display 3D representations of bodybuilding exercises to help athletes do the right movements.
In addition, the Garmin Fenix 8 integrates a speaker and a microphone to make phone calls. Here, no 4G connection, but it will still be possible to take a call from the watch provided you have your smartphone nearby. Another major new feature is the ability to reprogram your training route when you deviate.
A more resistant watch, suitable for diving
The Garmin Fenix 8 also offers improved resistance compared to previous generations. It is waterproof up to 100 meters deep, which will allow it to be used for scuba diving up to 40 meters. As such, Garmin has also integrated functions dedicated to scuba diving, modes that were previously only found on dedicated watches in the Descent range.
Of course, the Garmin Fenix 8 also benefits from multi-band GPS, SpO2 monitoring, contactless payment via Garmin Pay, the Stamina function to manage effort, training status or Body Battery monitoring.
As with previous models, the Garmin Fenix 8 is also available in three sizes — 43, 47 and 51 mm — with the choice between Gorilla Glass or sapphire for the screen and titanium or steel for the case.
In terms of battery life, you will need to count on 10 to 29 days depending on the size (without always-on display) in smartwatch mode and 28 to 84 hours in GPS tracking. For better battery life, Garmin has also announced a Garmin Fenix 8 Solar with MIP screen and solar charging, as well as its Garmin Enduro 3.
Garmin Fenix 8 Price and Availability
The Garmin Fenix 8 is available from this Tuesday starting at 999.99 euros (43 mm steel version with Gorilla Glass) and up to 1199.99 euros (51 mm titanium version with Sapphire glass).
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