Garmin Fenix 8 First Run Review: Early verdict on the Fenix with AMOLED from 3 runners

The Garmin Fenix 8 is official and the headline news is that it's now coming in AMOLED and solar models, as Garmin waves bye bye to the Epix.

Along with the new model options (and new Fenix E), Garmin has overhauled the software and user interface, introduced a microphone and speaker with Fenix-specific modes, enhanced the mapping and navigation support, packed in a brighter flashlight and also gets all of the good stuff from the last Fenix watches.

Testers Kieran, Nick and Mike have had the Fenix 8 (51mm AMOLED version) on their wrists for a few days to see how it performs and let you know if you might need the new Fenix in your life.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
00:51 – Price, key features and what's new from Fenix 7/7Pro
02:55 – The Run Test
18:06 – Initial verdict

More ways to enjoy The Run Testers

Some other videos you might find useful:

[MrTantriq]

Long time Garmin user, but these prices are making me rethink my life choices.

[damiengrief]

As someone still with an old Forerunner 945, this would be a massive upgrade for me. I'm sold on the Fenix 8 with the new OS and new smartwatch features like the voice assistant, speaker, etc. Just not sure if I want the 51mm or the 47mm. Same size display, but the extra battery life in the 51 is super tempting.

[stedoesstuff]

There are currently 20 different fenix models for sale on the Garmin website. And 8 epix. If you’re new to Garmin you’re just going to give up trying to work it all out.

[Vaptomwen]

Suunto Race looks even better now, damm same!

[splatmatt]

Honestly, I think I would rather get an Apple Watch for smartwatch features and use a coros pace 3 for longer activities. Still cheaper than a F8 series and you would gain LTE with the AW, better smartwatch features, and more robust: aFib detection & safety features. I really do not like the AW (especially design), but Garmin is reaching deep into the pockets for flashy whizbangs with very little substance.

[peterkisidaj]

Hi Guys, do you have some info if also brand new Forerunner somehting like FR 975 is gonna be released too? Thanks a lot.

[alexmacleod]

I have the solar 7, so torn between the solar 8 and the Amoled, I mainly use outdoors so leaning towards solar again, 5 week to ship forecast >0

[itsnotme]

I’m sticking with my Epix pro as I won’t pay £1039 for these small updates.

[ActiveIdeas]

Super spicy price tag 😬 but the watch looks great!

[wumurphfu]

Been waiting to upgrade my fenix 6
…
But is it THAT good to make the jump for THAT price?!!

[madixon]

I love the look of this however given the price of this and the subsequent price drops in the epix pro 2 surely the epix offers tremendous value for money.

Can we get a comparison between the epix pro and fenix 8 amoled pls.

[Ajajambo]

The price is ridiculous 😢 I will stick with my Epix Gen2. Shame that the Epix range will not see the new UI.

[striff]

Thanks fro this.
Any reason you're using 51mm and not the 47mm Fenix 8.
I've got a 965 looking to go to the fenix 8, starting to do ultras (42, 50 and 100km events recently)
965 held up well, but would like to do these with my headphones, for part of the race.

[liamhockey]

Have the fenix 7, garmin watches last forever, i normally update every other model. Will wait for Fenix 9.

[ugursayan]

Friends, I am thinking of buying a new 8. But I am very undecided because of the screen and charging differences. AMOLED? LCD?

[englishofcourse]

so which one should I buy? Epix pro gen 2 51mm for 850€, enduro 3 for 899 or Fenix 8 for 1100€ ... that's a tough choice now with this huge range of products
I would like the new UI

[lawhitey]

Don't understand why you all choose the 51mm over 47mm (or is this down to what Garmin send?) they look like dinner plates on your wrist, not to mention the wide 26mm straps compared to the 22mm on the 47mm which is miles more comfortable.

[umahan]

Thank you. Does the speaker allow you to listen to voice pace notifications while running?

[GarminPro]

The price is laughable, and the size looks like a clown watch on most people. The reasonable size doesn’t even come with MiP. I’ll def stick with Coros Pace 3.

[fabianom.]

But it seems more fluid during navigation map than the epix pro, the processor is the same?