
Runtime worlds better than the Apple Watch Ultra - Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Smartwatch review
Once you enjoy it, you never want to go back.
Charge your smartwatch once a month without giving up any functions? For users of the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2, this can be hard to believe. But the Garmin Fenix 8 makes it possible, even though health data such as blood oxygen and heart rate are constantly measured.Marcus Herbrich, 👁 Daniel Schmidt, ✓ Anton Avdyushkin (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Verdict - The best of both worlds
The current generation of the Fenix series from Garmin combines the endurance of a fitness tracker with the functionality of a smartwatch - but this also comes at a price. On the one hand, the Fenix 8, regardless of the version, is not a cheap pleasure, and on the other, the dimensions and high weight are certainly a deal-breaker for some people. However, once you have enjoyed the extremely long runtimes of a Fenix 8 Solar without having to do without functions such as permanent recording of health data or an always-on display, you will probably not want to go back to having to charge it several times a week, as with a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2.
With multi-band GNSS, NFC, Wi-Fi support, a built-in speaker and microphone, as well as a variety of sensors, the Fenix 8 offers an almost complete package. Unfortunately, Garmin does not support eSIM, meaning a smartphone is essential for continuous accessibility. Sports enthusiasts and outdoor fans will still get their money's worth thanks to the detailed training options and comprehensive offline map material.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has an RRP from €1,099 and is available from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.
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Table of Contents
- Verdict - The best of both worlds
- Specifications of the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar
- Case and features - Garmin Fenix 8 with titanium
- Setup and operation - Garmin Fenix 8 with five buttons
- Health and fitness - Garmin smartwatch without ECG, at least for now
- Display - Garmin smartwatch with special panel
- Performance and runtime - Garmin Fenix 8 Solar with outstanding endurance
Garmin offers its Fenix 8 in two different versions. Buyers can choose between an AMOLED display and a MiP screen with integrated solar cells. There is also a choice of different sizes between 43 mm and 51 mm.
Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire | 43 mm | 1.3-inch AMOLED display | RRP: 1,100 euros |
Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire | 47 mm | 1.4-inch AMOLED display | RRP: 1,100 euros |
Garmin Fenix 8 Sapphire | 51 mm | 1.4-inch AMOLED display | RRP: 1,200 euros |
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar | 47 mm | 1.3-inch MiP display | RRP: 1,100 euros |
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar | 51 mm | 1.4-inch MiP display | RRP: 1,200 Euro |
In the versions with AMOLED panel, the resistant sapphire glass can also be replaced with Corning Gorilla Glass (RRP from 1,000 euros). While the Fenix 8 with OLED display shows more vibrant colors and smoother image changes, the MiP display consumes less power. Garmin provided us with the version with a MiP screen in the largest version as a test device.
Specifications of the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar
Case and features - Garmin Fenix 8 with titanium
The fact that the Fenix 8 is intended for outdoor use is obvious at first glance. The housing appears very robust and has been tested for heat, impact, and water resistance in accordance with US military standards MIL-STD-810. The materials used also make a high-quality impression. Our Fenix 8 Solar has a titanium frame and bezel as well as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Garmin also combines the MiP variants with a lens made of solar cells to further increase the battery life. All model variants have waterproof, inductive metal buttons, a metal sensor protector on the underside, and a built-in flashlight. Garmin specifies a water resistance rating of 10 ATM for the Fenix 8.
Our test sample comes with a neon-colored QuickFit strap made of silicone with a width of 26 mm. However, a variety of interchangeable straps are available for the Fenix 8 in the manufacturer's store. Prices start from 49.99 euros (RRP). Together with the wristband, our Fenix 8 weighs a proud 96 grams. In combination with the almost 1.6-centimeter thick 51-millimeter case, the smartwatch from Garmin is a real heavyweight.
Sustainability
Garmin does not provide precise information on the choice of materials and the proportion of recycled components for its smartwatches. However, according to the manufacturer, the majority of products are shipped in packaging made of more than 80% recycled material. In addition, plastic trays and blister packs are not used and attention is paid to reusable, unpackaged shipping containers during logistics.
Setup and operation - Garmin Fenix 8 with five buttons
The "Garmin Connect" app is required to set up and adjust the Fenix 8. The manufacturer's application is available for iOS and Android. A corresponding account is required or assumed for use. Once the smartwatch has been successfully paired, the Garmin Connect app provides an explanation of important functions to get you started.
Garmin Connect has a clear interface but uses a lot of submenus. There is a start page with links to the various health data and a summary of the last 7 days and the previous day. The app also offers access to the calendar, challenges, and a newsfeed. The individual settings are listed under "More".
Software updates and various adjustments for the Fenix 8 can be made in the app, such as the display of the screen and map material or notifications selection. Some of these settings can also be made on the smartwatch itself.
The Fenix 8 is operated via the capacitive display and a total of five function buttons. There is no crown and the bezel cannot be rotated. Users can access the notifications with a swipe downwards. Swiping upwards opens the overview list, the order and content of which can be customized. Swiping sideways from the left or right is not supported. However, the built-in buttons are assigned many functions.
Some of the controls are programmed with a long press as well as a single and double press - for example, the top left button can call up the display light, the flashlight, and the overview menu. The function assigned to each button press is predefined by the manufacturer and cannot be set individually, at least we cannot find a corresponding customization menu. The same applies to alternative watch faces. Eight watch faces are pre-installed on the Fenix 8 Solar, which can be more or less customized. Unfortunately, the watch faces on our version with the MiP panel are not interactive.
Calls and notifications
Both a microphone and a speaker are available on the Garmin Smartwatch, which means that calls can be accepted and answered directly on the device - provided that a paired smartphone is within range, as the Fenix 8, unfortunately, lacks a mobile network connection or even the option of communicating via satellite telephony. The quality of the built-in speaker is very limited, but short phone calls are perfectly practical. However, we must not speak too far away from the microphone, otherwise, we can only be heard in a muted voice.
The Fenix 8 is more convincing when it comes to the notification function. Messages or emails arrive almost in real-time with a delay of just a few seconds and are displayed reliably. The proprietary Garmin software can handle most of the emojis we tested and also displays images, although they are not really sharp. Replies are possible with predefined short answers; there is no keyboard or voice input. Unfortunately, voice messages via WhatsApp are also not supported. This is where watches with Google Wear OS have a big advantage.
Voice assistant
An in-house voice assistant is available on the Fenix 8. This allows simple voice inputs to be made without a telephone connection, such as starting training sessions or adjusting the brightness of the display backlight. In the test, the voice input works satisfactorily, but the user's commands are not always implemented accurately. The assistant can only be started by pressing a button.
Health and fitness - Garmin smartwatch without ECG, at least for now
The collected health and fitness data is stored and displayed in the in-house application. With the Garmin Connect app, information recorded by the Fenix 8 can also be shared with Apple Health. Anyone using a Android device will have a more difficult time, as there is no direct option to transfer data to Google Fit.
All models in the Fenix 8 series can also record ECG data. In the USA, there is an extra ECG app that allows users to record their heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) directly on their wrist. However, this feature is not available in this country.
Activity goals
The Fenix 8 provides the user with a variety of values and parameters, such as the stress level, an assessment of performance, or an indication of heart rate variability (HRV). Activity data such as steps, energy monitoring, and calorie consumption are also displayed both in the app and on the Fenix 8. A new feature is Garmin Share, which can be used to share planned tours or training sessions as well as positions with compatible Garmin devices. You can also take part in challenges or group challenges, such as a mountain expedition or special hiking route.
Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation
The Fenix 8 features comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate and pulse oximetry. In this article, we have taken a closer look at what needs to be considered when measuring health values with smartwatches. When analyzing blood oxygen saturation, we use a Braun pulse oximeter 1 as a reference device. With a total of three measurements, the average deviation is only 1.7 percent, whereby the Garmin smartwatch tends to underestimate the blood oxygen saturation. However, the fluctuations are not particularly pronounced. In two of our three measurements, the Fenix 8 was off by two percentage points, and once by just one percentage point.
We compare the heart rate data with the Polar H10 chest strap as a reference device. The Fenix 8 performs very well here, as there are no deviations in a total of four measurements in our test. The measured values are identical for both devices, both at rest and for the power pulse, which we determined during a bike ride.
Sleep tracking
In our opinion, the Fenix 8's sleep tracking is precise and comprehensive. Total sleep is rated with points between 0 and 100. Our waking times during the night are reliably recognized and the duration of sleep corresponds to our personal perception. During sleep, various sleep phases are determined and, if desired, a permanent measurement of the heart rate and blood oxygen saturation is carried out. This is used to derive a wide range of parameters, such as breathing rate or a body battery.
After waking up, users receive a morning report with an overview of the previous night's sleep, their training prospects, and the status of their heart rate variability (HRV). The values are also made available in a diagram in the app. Unfortunately, it is not possible to export the nightly data.
Training recording
The Fenix 8 almost offers a function overkill when it comes to supported training. Dozens of pre-installed activities, ranging from running to white water rafting, golf including course data, and team sports such as soccer, are all on board. A new feature is the dive mode, which allows the Garmin smartwatch to officially support scuba diving to a depth of 40 meters. During a training session on land, the Fenix 8 also offers ClimbPro and PacePro, a GPS-based guide for selected routes or climbing routes with an adjusted running speed on plains or inclines, as well as real-time information on current and upcoming climbs.
The pre-installed TopoActive maps, which are available on the Fenix 8 and partially pre-installed, offer map material from all over the world. With an optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription, it is possible to purchase additional premium map content, such as satellite images (RRP: 60 euros per year). During training, users can also navigate with the integrated altimeter, barometer, and electronic 3-axis compass. If you fancy an exploration tour, you can also specify a distance on the Fenix 8 and then receive route suggestions for your training. Using the maps worked without any problems in the test, although the Garmin smartwatch needs a certain amount of time to determine the position and calculate new map sections.
GNSS and navigation
The Fenix 8 supports dual-band GNSS at best, which means that several frequency bands can be used. This generally enables more consistent track recording and improved positioning, as the receiver tracks more than one radio signal from each satellite on different frequencies. The following table lists the different modes and frequency bands of the Garmin smartwatch.
Satellite system | GPS only | Multi-GNSS (All systems) | Multi-GNSS (All) + Multi-Band |
GPS ONLY | L1 | L1 | L1 + L5 |
GLONASS | L1 | L1 | |
GALILEO | E1 | E1 + E5 | |
QZSS | L1 | L1 + L5 | |
IRNSS (NavIC) | L1 | L1 + L5 | |
WithDou | B1 | B1 |
In order to test the accuracy of the Garmin smartwatch in practice, we took the Fenix 8 Solar on a bike ride. We compare the calculated route with our reference device, the Garmin Venu 2. The result of the tracking is very convincing, although the display of the route covered shows slight differences from the actual route.
Display - Garmin smartwatch with special panel
In our test sample, the Fenix 8 uses a transflective MiP display. Thanks to the memory-in-pixel technology, the displayed content does not have to be refreshed periodically but is maintained continuously until information changes. As a result, the MiP display of the Fenix 8 Solar saves energy compared to versions with OLED screens, which are likely to refresh at 60 Hz - i.e. 60 times per second. However, Garmin does not provide exact information on the refresh rate. Nevertheless, the solar version also has a backlight, otherwise, it would not be possible to read the display in the dark as there is no light for reflections.
Thanks to MiP technology, there are no problems with the readability of content on the 1.4-inch color panel, even in direct sunlight. However, with 280 x 280 pixels, the pixel density is only 283 PPI. In addition to this sharpness deficit, the colors are also quite pale compared to the OLEDs of the Fenix 8 (454 x 454 pixels). Furthermore, scrolling through the overviews of the Garmin UI on the Solar Edition is not incredibly smooth.
Performance and runtime - Garmin Fenix 8 Solar with outstanding endurance
Garmin does not specify the exact chipset used in the Fenix 8 models. It is quite possible that the SiPs even differ, as MIP technology usually requires less computing power than an OLED display. In any case, the performance offered by our test sample is sufficient for operation without any major jerks. Scrolling through the maps also works without long delays. As a browser cannot be installed on the Fenix 8, we are unable to provide any benchmarks.
Battery life
The runtimes of the Fenix 8 Solar are outstanding and a real game changer if users are used to the endurance of a Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2. With our Garmin smartwatch, we lost 78 percent (remaining capacity: 22 percent) within the first 15 days when using all functions including continuous heart rate and blood oxygen measurement during our test. We then set the satellite connection to "multiband", which gave us a residual landing of 64 percent during the remaining 6 days of use. However, if you do several workouts a day with precise GPS recording, you won't come close to our running times. Here, the Fenix 8 Solar loses around 7 percent per hour with multi-band use. Since the MiP versions are equipped with a solar lens, the runtime increases noticeably depending on outdoor use. Garmin claims an increase in usage time of up to 50 percent. Since the weather during our test was rather gray-on-gray and the solar intensity was hardly present according to the smartwatch, we should easily achieve a runtime of three weeks in summer.
Due to the very long endurance, the long charging times of the Fenix 8 Solar are not very significant. Nevertheless, this is a negative point, as it takes around 1.5 hours to fill the battery from 22 percent to 100 percent. The charging system using a plug connection is also not ideal in our opinion. Wireless charging should be possible for such an expensive watch. However, the manufacturer installs this connection in all its models, which at least seems sustainable.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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