Garmin - fēnix 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED

Interesting, I’m the opposite, I had the 970 and thought it felt cheap and platicy, went to fenix 8 51 mm amoled and am loving it, I enjoy it. One thing I did notice is how much brighter the 970 screen is, it’s silky. 

Try a fenix 8 on, it’s niceee

No kill like overkill, baby! I got a Fenix 8 51mm Sapphire Titanium AMOLED. Probably don't use anywhere near all the features, but it rocks.

All the hardcore runners I know are wearing Forerunner watches. The hybrid guys are wearing Fenix. Battery life on either will be excellent. Fenix gets updates for years. New features, as others have noted, will be limited to the 8. Really depends on if you want the look/weight/features of one or the other. I had the Fenix 7x and it was excellent. Currently in the 8, it isn't radically different in terms of what I use it for.

I would (and do, 8 Amoled 51 owner) have zero fomo for the LTE. I always had cellular on my AWUs, and see the value, but having to use Garmin Messenger is silly. So anyone I want to message has to create a Garmin account and message me via messenger for the infrequent times I’m actually using LTE standalone? I’d rather just carry an inreach for remote and my phone for normal usage. I just don’t see the value here.

I’ve had the 8 amoled 51 since release , and the MIP guys always say I don’t want a glowing LED TV on my wrist blinding me…which I don’t get? The watch isn’t full bright if you don’t want it to be, it’s adjustable just like the MIP I used to have. Also at night it’s not bright because it goes into red green or orange shift for night so it’s not like you’ve got a tv blasting your retinas at 2am on your wrist. And if you turn on aod it’s truly not an issue unless you want it to be blaring brightness, which I don’t, so it’s not set up for my use that way. And the battery argument has been long put to rest at this point since the 51mm has 28 days of life during normal use… To each his own, but I think the writings on the wall for the fenix line. I will pick up an enduro 3 at a discount when the 4 comes out, because I had the E2 and love that watch but can’t justify full price when I already have the F8 51mm amoled. I don’t know the purpose behind an even Brighter micro led Pro when the F8 51mm amoled is more than bright enough…..especially with decreased battery life…. I am curious about the new forerunner, does it have the same offline mapping capabilities of the F8? I’m not a runner anymore thanks to the army but curious about the hiking aspects supported? https://preview.redd.it/q7z1f4w2jwsf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=449c61515342d2821b93a33dd07588391e7f76b7

I’ve had my Garmin Fenix 8 51mm since it was released. It’s a great watch but overkill for a starter looking to get into using a turkey high end tool. I started with the amazfit t-Rex 2 then the t-Rex 3. At the t-Rex 3 price point it does almost everything the Fenix 8 does at 1000 dollars less. But if you’re looking to go with a watch long term, the Fenix is the end game and hard to beat once all the bugs are worked out of the software. ( theyvare still working though some pretty major software glitches like the screen and watch resetting when starting a hike…

Very valid point, can’t recall if my t-Rex 3 had anything besides snorkeling which I did use a few times. Not much value there for true diving! Lol… Just hope they don’t disable it again in a future beta release when he needs it. I do love my Fenix 8 regardless l. When it’s working it’s awesome but when it’s resetting itself multiple times on hikes I’m not familiar with, like here in Scotland and England, it infuriates me! Lol

I have AWU1, Epix, Epix Pro 51, and Fenix 8 51 AMOLED. I like the AWU for smart functions, additional cellular connectivity on runs, Apple Music, unlocking my Mac, Siri actions,etc. But I only wear it mostly as a 2nd watch on runs. I’ll focus on why it’s Garmin for me, 24/7: \*Real onboard maps \*Integration (I don’t want Bevel plus Athlytic plus WorkOutDoors plus BodyState plus Pedometer++ just to get functionality or info on watch faces I want). I don’t want to have to pay for an app to get stress metric or download an app to see steps taken on watch face. \*Web interface (Connect) \*Morning Report \*Superior GPS performance with SAT IQ. \*ANT+ device connectivity \*Customizable activity data screens \*More complete and customizable watch faces \*LED flashlight \*Buttons, and “hot keys” with many functions programmable to a button hold or combination button hold. \*More reliable training metrics due to more frequent HR and therefore HRV sampling. Stress, body battery, etc. \*Working Pulse Oximetry \*Suggested workouts \*Garmin coaching plans \*On-Watch Activity review.

I have AWU3 as well as Garmin Epix, Epix Pro 51, and Fenix 8 51 AMOLED. I like AWU for connectivity to equipment in the gym as well as as running Gymaholic app for weight workouts from the watch. I also often run outside with it as second watch for music and emergency connectivity. I also like it unlocking my Mac, running smart home automations, reminders, Siri, etc. Currently wearing both AWU and Garmin Epix for a month or so to compare health metrics. But it's Garmin 24/7 for me for the OP's mentioned reasons--integrated metrics without subscriptions, Garmin Connect web platform if I choose, watch face customizability, battery life, sensor variety and connectivity with ANT+, workout suggestions, customizable hot keys, workout data screen customizations, working pulse ox on the watch, etc. Garmin battery and low processing power enables all day HR sampling and very frequent HRV sampling, as well as pulse ox during sleep, which IMO makes related metrics that much more usable. I can also see HR updating every couple seconds on the watch face as well as steps updating in real time without tapping and waiting on pulse taken or app to update. I also like being able to change the order of my workout types, widgets, etc. on the watch. I don't mind working out with either watch only (like AW in the gym or Garmin on outdoor runs). I use RunGap to sync everything to Garmin Connect.

Probably the Fenix 8, and in 51mm size. I have AMOLED, which EXCEEDS battery life specs, but there is also the MIP solar, which is having a problem with the new solar tech and getting LESS than spec for many people reporting here.

I use Fenix 8 and Ultra. Would never give up Garmin platform for Apple. And the F8 has working EKG and will identify AFIB as well as Apple. F8 also has working SP02 (it never left).

I have AWU1 that I like for wearing to gym due to connection with Gymkit enabled cardio stuff and for using Gymaholic to track lifting workouts. I also double wrist it with AWU on right wrist for music and LTE on outdoor runs. I’m really a Garmin guy and wear F8 (at the moment) or my Epix 2 or Epix Pro 51 for 24/7, sleep, all my favorite stuff on the watch face, etc. I use RunGap to get AW workouts over to Garmin Connect. I do like the AWU for its smart features like unlocking Mac, Siri, etc, but my older eyes prefer the larger F8 51 screen and general Garmin platform including web interface. I also can’t stand battery anxiety, which I never have with my Garmins.

The older OLED fenix 8 model has even better battery life than the micro-led fenix 8 pro. It's not the display tech, it's a combination of physical battery size and garmins having relatively underpowered hardware and not as many smartwatch features running in the background.

I had a fenix 8 non pro and currently picked up the AWU3. I personally think I might switch back to apple. Garmin is awesome. Wins hands down for battery life, built in capabilities, and that flashlight. I’ll miss that flashlight. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has faster charging than yoUR watch 2. And for me there is always 10 to 15min during my day where I can take it off and set it on a charger. I work a desk job so when I’m working I can charge it or even around bed time when I’m sitting in bed reading by just set it on a charger. The battery life isn’t as good with the Apple Watch but it just does so much more and integrates so well with the Apple ecosystem. AirPods connect seamlessly. You can stream music and podcasts directly to it as you mentioned. I use peloton bike and tonal and it works better with those devices. I disagree that Garmin golf is better than 18Birdies. 18Birdies free version is on par with Garmin but the paid version is so much better and has more insights than Garmin golf. Plus all the other awesome apps you have access too on the Apple Watch. It’s just a more complete package. Look the Garmin is awesome too. If you need the better battery life and you don’t use the Apple Watch smart features then the Garmin is incredible too. Both have pros and cons but for the price, I think the Apple Watch Ultra is the better value for most people. But I also don’t run ultra marathons. At most I’ll train for a marathon but I’m more of a general fitness enthusiast. I also like that the Apple Watch checks for hypertension and irregular heartbeats, and afib without even taking an actual ekg measurement. And I trust the fall detection more on it. You’re right that you don’t really need cellular on a watch but you have it for safety reasons. God forbid that one fall knocks you out or you insure yourself or get random chest pains. Can even happen to people who are healthy and work out all the time.

Currently have a Garmin Fenix 8. I do enjoy this watch especially the insane battery life and flashlight but I'm thinking of coming back to apple with a watch 3 ultra. How do health tracking features compare? I'm mostly coming back for the safety features and hypertension health feature. Plus ability to detect afib. Apple watch could literally save your life but my Garmin watch would probably just tell me I'm weak and need to get my butt off the ground.

For me I want to be able to go out and run without my phone. I don't want my Garmin Fenix 8 because it's not connected if I have an emergency. The apple watch also has better fall detection so I feel like it has my back more.

Both have pros and cons. Newer apple watches especially the ultra have fast charging and can easily do 2 days of battery life. Im considering switching from my Fenix 8 back to apple watch ultra 3 for the better health safety features like tracking hypertension. Fall detection. And ability to use my watch without my phone if I go on a run. I don't have to bring my phone for a run which is nice. With my Garmin Fenix 8 I feel like I have to bring my phone because I need a device to call 911 or for family to reach me. Garmin now has Fenix 8 pro that connects to Garmin network but it's just not the same. And now watch 3 ultra supports satellite as well for emergencies. For me it's more about safety. Garmin watch has great metrics sure but will it accurately detect hypertension? Will it detect an afib or heart issue? If I fall can it call emergency services? Only if my phone is with me. I have two young kids and I'm in my 30s now so the safety features are just more valuable for me this time in my life. And the apple watch has saved lives before.

This is basically the only thing I don't like about Garmin. I did a running workout. 5k in 35min and I'm late 30s. It's not the best time but it's not horrible either for my age and Garmin told me I'm shit and need to do better. But I love the workout features on my Garmin regardless. I like the daily suggested workouts. I like the pacing where I keep my heart rate in a certain level or run a certain pace and Garmin tracks that very well. And I like that the battery life on my Fenix 8 in over 2 weeks. And that built in flashlight. I just can't go back to apple watch until apple starts to include more stats and workout features. Every year apple is adding features but the issue is they are drip feeding minor updates every year. My Garmin Fenix 8 is fully featured and I doubt apple ever includes all the features Garmin has. Apple likes that sweet subscription revenue for all the apps you need to buy.

Apple does afib detection using the optical heart rate sensor data. So you don't need to actually take a dedicated afib reading to be notified that the watch thinks you might have an issue. Same with the new hypertension data. Also better fall detection that can call 911 for you even using satellites on the new ultra 3. Safety features are simply better on the watch 3 ultra. I own a Fenix 8 and love it too. Can't deny Garmin wins with battery life but apple is winning with safety features in my opinion.

What do you lose when putting it in low power mode? Trying to decide if I want to keep my ultra 3 or stay with my garmin fenix 8. Main reason for my switch is to be connected and not need to bring my phone everywhere. Plus the Apple Watch does so much more than the garmin.

Apple watch is the best smart watch on the market still. And the watch 3 ultra will probably solidify that even further. But Garmin still wins with built in features and battery life that lasts forever. Even with an apple watch ultra you have to charge every day or two and if you want golf features for example you have to pay extra for them.

You will be back to Garmin lol. I've tried apple watch ultra, Samsung Galaxy watches and ultra, and pixel watch 3. Nothing compares to the metrics Garmin provides. Plus the battery life is incredible. Don't have to think about charging at all. Everything is built into Garmin. You don't have to pay for other apps to get similar functionality. I'm a golfer and it's so nice to have the golf features built into the watch versus having to pay extra for them. Morning report is amazing. Body battery. Now evening report too. Plus the watch is very reliable. I can't go back. I love my Fenix 8 too much. And the flashlight is chefs kiss.

I was hoping it would last a week. I switched to a Garmin Fenix 8 and this bad boy gets 18 days of battery life. I have no idea what magic Garmin has to make this watch last as long as it does. My biggest issue with all other watches is having to charge it every single day especially if you workout a lot. This watch I can charge twice a month lol.

My Fenix 8 has an OLED display and still lasts 7 days always on or 18 days move rist to wake.

I agree but 18 days is good enough for me personallu.

I sold my Fenix 8 and bought an Apple Watch Ultra 3. Fenix 8 held most of the value since I bought it on sale anyway. I personally don’t run ultra marathons or camp out in the wilderness middle of nowhere for days on end. I’m just a regular guy who is training for a marathon. And I do other activities like golf, peloton, tonal, kayaking. I don’t really need the garmin Fenix 8 and honestly the lack of smart features is the main reason I switched back to Apple. I see the appeal of the Fenix 8 battery life but the ultra 3 charges so fast that I can put it on the charger for like 10 to 15min and it’s back to full after an average day of using it. Plus the Apple Watch truly is a two day watch battery maybe even 3. Sure doesn’t compare to garmin but I personally never need 15 days of battery life. I almost always have an opportunity to charge it if I need to.

Idk if this helps, but I recently returned a new Fenix 8 (not solar). It was my first Garmin and I HATED IT! I loved the design. I loved the look. I loved the few functions I actually used it for. BUT I could not stand using it! I had it for like a week and a half and I swear I spent a quarter of my days googling how to do things on that f’n thing. Nothing was intuitive and the few things I really wanted it for either weren’t supported or super complicated to figure out. I really hated that watch and immediately returned it when I found out the AWU3 was being released soon. The Garmin was click-heavy, overkill, non-sense IMO. The AW does everything I need and actually ties into my daily life way more than that Garmin ever could. That’s my experience. But I do like the look of the Garmin more than the AW. Can’t wait to get my new black AWU3!

So I’m not a runner and you may find what you want using Strava or something, but if your main goal of your watch is to track your running, the Garmin might be your answer. If you want literally ANYTHING else from your watch, go with the AWU. I had a Fenix 8 AMOLED recently for a couple weeks. HATED it! Returned it as soon as I found out AWU3 was being released. The Garmin was click-heavy, no nonintuitive, and just a pain to use. I spent so much time googling how to do things on that damn watch. I hated it so much. I do like the look of the Garmin watch tho and it was a really nice watch. I just couldn’t stand using it and it just wasn’t intuitive enough for me. And the lack of a decent AI-driven voice control feature was enough to have me shaking my head. If there was a really good AI-driven voice control feature on the Fenix 8 that assisted with watch functions and settings as well as general info (like any AI system) it possibly would have been worth keeping…idk. I really don’t know why anyone but really serious Olympic training athletes would need a Garmin watch and all that data. I feel like the Apple Watch would provide PLENTY of data for the normal person. If you have an iPhone or you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, I would only recommend the Apple Watch. I preordered the AWU3 and can’t wait for it to arrive.

Recently purchased a Fenix 8 …never again. What a pain in the butt, click-heavy, non-intuitive piece. I hated that watch so much, but it looked cool as heck! Can’t wait to get my black AWU3!

I just wish they’d come out with a whoop style band. I own an AWU1 but rarely use it because of my Garmin (F8-51mm). I just love the ecosystem.

If they are not solar, they don't. There are no MIP watches without solar who have a longer standard battery life than the 51mm Fenix8 (29days) & Epix 2(pro)(31days). Only the Instinct 2 45mm comes close with 28 days, but has less then half of the activity tracking time then the Fenix and Epix. The newer and bigger MIP watches with solar do beat the Epix2 and Fenix8. Enduro2 & 3, Instinct 2x & 3 mips 51mm have the better battery life. Also without using the solar.

Fenix 8 51mm oled Or Epix 2 (pro) 51mm. Fenix 8 has 29 days of battery time, Epix2 pro 31 days. The Fenix 8 can do 84 hours of gps tracking, the Epic 82 Besides that the MIP display Instinct 2 gives you also 28 days, but only 30 gps hours.