fēnix 8 Pro – 51 mm, MicroLED

MicroLed is draining battery… I would be careful with that one and consider Amoled instead

Ah, so that’s where the real crazy comes in. 😜 For the most complete data, you’ve got to be willing to wear both, 24/7 (which I do). Garmin’s PhysioTrueUp (I think they just call it Device Priority now) helps keep everything in sync across the Garmin-verse. If I need to make things less showy for any reason I’ll sometimes keep the Garmin in my pocket’s coin pouch (less movement) since it’s reading from my Polar H10 anyways and doesn’t have to be on my wrist, and the entire point of the AWU3 for me is Tapbacks, SMS voice replies, and FindMy on my wrist via 5G. Sleep-wise, the Venu X1 barely feels like it’s even there, but even the Fenix8 MicroLED (the thickest of the lot) didn’t bother me for sleep comfort during the week that I was testing it, so perhaps I’m just an anomaly since I know many people (including my partner) don’t tolerate bigger watches during sleep - the Garmin Index Sleep band is a good workaround, but then you keep going further and further down this rabbit hole of more $ and niche tech.

I left AWU2 (and years of Apple Watch since gen 1) to get F8 Pro MLED and it’s wayyyy better lol. AWU3 doesn’t bring much to the table and their software for sport is average at best. Garmin streaks ahead

Except that Garmin is now attempting to compete with Apple and Android. If you look at the new releases like the Venu X1, Venu4, the Fenix 8 Pro, the batteries are getting fewer days than their predecessors. The VenuX1 is rated for 2 days with AOD, the Fenix8 pro MicroLed is rated for 4 days with AOD both in Smartwatch mode. To get the battery life users are accustom to you need to turn off features.

Took those stats straight from the Garmin site. Fenix8 pro MicroLed Smartwatch: Up to 10 days (4 days always-on), VenuX1 - Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days (2 days display always-on) I use my U2 with AOD and I can easily get 48 hours, 3 full days if I wanted and that is with at least an hour of GPS and another hour of activity tracking each day.

I did not - did you actually read the whole post or just skip parts of it because someone stated facts you didn't like about Garmin? I used Garmin for many years, they were a great brand at one time. Further the Fenix 8 pro MicroLED is still a Fenix 8 pro - get over yourself.

I wouldn't say that Apple Watches and the Ultra in particular have light fitness features, I use Stryd pods to run and use the Stryd app, that makes the AW a powerful fitness watch, there are numeral apps that can replicate what Garmin provides. I use WorkOutDoors for all my other activities, fully customizable with the ability to use live and downloadable maps with routing. Users can take advantage of a plethora of apps and for those that don't want app there are websites like runalze and intervals.icu. To be truthful Garmin is bloated with data that just fluff and not needed by anyone, sure it is fun to look at but most don't take action on the majority of it. The ability to workout without a phone can't be overstated. Yes Garmin has the Fenix 8 pro with cellular but the LTE is provided by Garmin and it severely limited is scope and usage. No streaming, users have no esim so no dedicated phone number and others must use Garmin messenger to communicate with the user. It really is made for emergency situations.

I used Garmin for a number of years, often switching back and forth with Apple. Once the Ultra came about I was hesitant but when the U2 was released and after I just became fed up with the more and more frequent software updates to fix bugs that actually just created more I left Garmin for good and I won't ever go back. The U2 and the ability to run and leave the phone at home can't be over stated. Yes the F8pro has LTE but it is so limited that for daily use it is not going to cut it - I am not going to be able to unlock my door with it, turn on my lights, check my dog camera, check the transit schedule, stream my podcast, pay for things (no Garmin pay where I live) etc. As for the folks who go on about all the data that Garmin has - I say no one needs all that data, not even profession athletes (despite what Garmin wants us to think). How many users even understand what it all means let alone take action on all or any of it? They are very few actual metric that anyone needs to train 'seriously' and you don't even need a watch to do that, but it sure makes it easier. I run several marathons a year and the Ultra is more than enough for my needs, I also hike pretty extensively and WorkOutDoors meets my needs for that. As for metrics the health app is rich with data, one needs only learn how to use it. HeathFit is a great app as well. I don't need more than that.

You are going to get downvotes from those who are in denial, loyalists who will never say a bad word about the brand, or from those who are so invested in the brand they are either so locked in that they won't change or they truly believe that Garmin is the best available. That said, what you have stated is true, they are just selling old models with new faces, the internals are the same. They haven't really changed for years. Garmin's software is outdated, laggy and so buggy it is an embarrassment. The Fenix 8 release was a catastrophe. Most folks know not to buy a new release Garmin for at least 6-8 months these days or they are just going to have paid to be a Garmin beta tester for months. You didn't even mention the laggy heart rate data for activities. Other brands have caught up to what at one time was the best in the business - not anymore. Garmin has been relying on the reputation for a while now. Prices go up, features get more gimmicky, and UX and UI go down.

Enduro 3 is simply the king of Garmin’s line up at the moment. No question. Unless you need the dive / speaker stuff I’d be going for that. The 7X PRO Solar sapphire is a great second. Instinct 3X Solar takes the third spot. I’m a bit sceptical of Garmins future, kinda feels like they have peaked with the enduro 3. MIPS could be gone. Garmin connect plus. MICROLED 8 Pro at 2k USD with a 4 Day Battery. The buggy firmware. The terrible way they have rolled out LTE / Satellite. Their best days may be behind them.

It’s the king of Garmins line up in my opinion. If you don’t dive or need a speaker then no point getting the 8. The enduro is an 8 without those features. It’s also lighter. Super comfortable and has battery for weeks.

The fenix has a few of the Apple safety features but nowhere near as good. They have the main one high / low heart rate alerts when not exercising. I think they have some sort of fall detection but it's not as good or polished as Apple. With Garmins buggy software not sure I'd trust it anyway. AW also has sleep apnea alerts and hypertension alerts (new) which the Garmins do not have.........yet.