Garmin Fenix 8 In-Depth Review: 23 Things You Should Know!

The Fenix 8 is here, bringing with it not just new hardware features, but also the end of the Garmin Epix lineup. Or, at least the end of it for now. Fear not though, that ending is merely in name, as Garmin has consolidated the products under the Fenix branding instead. Still, the end resultant is effectively the same: There remains both MIP-based displays and AMOLED displays, albeit with substantially higher prices.

The Fenix 8 instead focuses on two key areas with its hardware improvements: The addition of a speaker & microphone for taking calls (with phone), a new offline voice assistance, and creating voice notes. And then the addition of a depth gauge and related scuba and free-diving functionality. The MIP-based Solar editions also see some modest battery gains with a new solar panel.Whereas the majority of the changes on the Fenix 8 are focused on its significant user interface overhaul, essentially merging aspects of the Forerunner 965 interface with that of the Epix Pro, while concurrently revamping core widget, settings, and workout/navigation areas to make it easier to understand, especially for new-to-Garmin users. Albeit as you’ll see, in my opinion to mixed success.

As always, I’ve been putting all these units to the test with crazy long mountain hikes, runs, rides, swims, dives, and more. Finally, note that Garmin sent over media loaner units to test out. As usual, this review is not sponsored (nor does any company get to preview anything I review), and I don’t take any advertiser money from any companies I review. Once this unit goes back, I’ll go out and buy my own for any future testing needs. If you found this review useful, you can use the links at the bottom, or consider becoming a DCR Members. And, of course, it makes you awesome.

#GarminFenix8 #Fenix8

[pietrosanchirico]

The new starting price is just ridiculous. I think I will keep my Fenix 7x Pro for more years than I expected

[justinward]

Started watching the Garmin Live event, then decided I should just come straight to the source!

[bellosthomas]

Will be staying with my 7 pro. Price is ridiculous and the features do not justify it. Kudos for being honest and making it clear in your review

[petercohen]

The Master of sport watch reviews returns. Greatly appreciated as always.

[TheGinjaro]

My Fenix 6 is still crushing all the activities!

[gezza]

My Fenix 5X is still going strong. Changed bands a few times over the past 5-6 years but does everything I need.

[jmkann]

Glad I got the Fenix 7 Pro during the fathers day sale now... couldn't beat that ~$600 price point.

[MattSwain]

Earlier this year I decided to replace my Fenix 6S with a Forerunner 965 while it was on sale basically because I knew I’d be tempted to blow too much money when the Fenix 8 dropped otherwise. Having watched this review I’m really happy with my choice. There isn’t an extra $500 worth of stuff compared to my 965, not even close. I can’t imagine there’s many Fenix 6/7 owners who are thinking “I love my watch but I wish it had a slow and limited voice assistant”! I’m not convinced this is the right path for Garmin. Yeah the Fenix is the premium model but the starting price for one seems to have rocketed since I got mine in 2018/19. In the past, some of the Forerunner series were ugly, so you got Fenix because it looked like nice watch - today, a modern Forerunner also looks like a nice watch and there’s just no reason for most people to spend $1000+ on a Fenix

[nicholas]

16:40 is a meme 😂

Great video, I always watch your videos first to get all the info I need. Thanks

[densyoh]

ohhh my…Garmin will not send you a Christmas card this December😂…great review as always, you always get the best reviews from people who review from the woods and not from an office chair

[xKrafty--]

This makes me feel so much better about my Epix Pro 😂

[ted]

I have small wrists and have been using Fenix watches for many years, always in S size. Even if I preferred AMOLED (and I don’t for many reasons), the small Fenix 8 lasts only 4 days in always on mode (using gesture is like going back 10 years in time) so I would still prefer solar MIP as my small F7SS lasts 2 weeks during summer even with some GPS activities. So yeah, I'm left with no options but at least I won't be buying a new watch. My wallet thanks Garmin but personally I'm truly mad at them for crippling one of the most iconic watches on the market.

[RaulViitor]

For this price, I'm much happy staying with my €350 FR955.

[JeepnJohnny]

I had my Fenix 5 since 2017 and upgraded to the Epix 2 Pro this last May when the big sale was on. I love the new watch and the 7 years newer tech and performance. I'm glad I didn't wait because the entry price for this new device is absolutely crazy. As much as my Fenix and Epix are two of my favorite purchases, Garmin is out of their minds with that price. Hopefully it balances out when their sales slow. By the way, your review of the Fenix 5 back in 2017, and your review of Epix 2 Pro was what got me to purchase! Keep up the good work.

[borjac.]

Fénix 7x pro since one year... And for the next 3. What a madness the prices!! In 3 years I hope to buy a fénix 9 in a good offer.

[jamisonswift]

Oof, the loss of the "S" line sucks. I also have small wrists and having to start at $1K and an AMOLED display is rough.

[vosch]

As a Fenix 7 Pro owner, this huge increase in price is definitively not worth an upgrade. LTE would make me want it, but even then, I would not invest the money.
But I am happy that Garmin is keeping the MIP options alive (at least for my wrist size).

[reedmelicher]

I'm so happy there's a MIP option! I was hoping they were gonna make it thinner though, not thicker.

[rcuadro]

Finally! I have been refreshing YouTube all morning

[movdqa]

I bought a 7 Pro SS this past spring and there's not enough here for an upgrade. My previous purchase was the 5 Plus in 2018. The improved solar and display change sounds nice. I usually run with an iPhone 13 mini and Beats Fit Pro so I don't need a microphone or speaker. It looks like incremental improvements to me as I'm not a diver and I don't think that I need any of the new hardware aspects. At some point I'll upgrade but I need enough new features to do so. What tipped me over to upgrading to the 7 Pro SS is the flashlight. Features I'd like are a camera and the ability to upload and watch videos. On pricing: I paid $1, 150 for my Fenix 5 Plus Titanium and the band was $250 if purchased separately. So the DLC base was $900 or the same as the Fenix 7 Pro SS. So they've kept prices stable for five years. If cost is an issue, then I'd see people buying the 7, 7 Pro or the Epix versions.