Garmin - fēnix® E

I got my Garmin 245 since 2019. In Jan 2026, I switched to Coros Apex 4 but after a month, I switched back to Garmin Fenix E. Besides the extremely dim display in Coros Apex 4, another reason I switched back is that the data from Garmin knows you more. The data from Coros is just data, not enough information can be provided. It just helps record data without enough analysis. Also the data presentation in both Coros watch and App is too simple. The presentation from Garmin is more sophisticated. The graphs in Garmin App helps you understand your running performance more. Also, many things from Coros are not completed in details such as the font, font size, icons, layout, … etc. These makes Coros not premium enough.

These comparisons and comments ended for me with the release of the Fenix 8 Pro. If you are listening to music, full gps, with LTE the 47MM Fenix gets like 8 hours. That’s about inline with the AWU 3 in the same use case. And if you turn off a bunch of features on the AWU it gets much longer life as a smart watch and up to 20 hours with full gps during an activity. The limitation of everything is battery technology and how much you want your watch to do. Garmin likes to make fitness focused watches. Apple makes smartwatches with fitness figures. Buy whatever one makes you happy for your use cases

I have not tried the Fenix E but before getting the pro I tried the Fenix non sapphire model for 20% discount so it was the same price as new AW ultra. I just applied a screen protector to it. The pro gets minor brighter display, larger battery, satellite and lte it also only comes in titanium bezel but the bezel is also thicker and heavy by a few grams But I did not feel like there was a massive difference in looks, For me the looks wear out soon but what remains is the functionality that garmin brings to its watches and that for my usage is the same between cheapest and high end Fenix models so the short answer is yes but I would recommend looking for a 20% discount code and purchasing the amoled version for the same price as AW ultra.

I might understand the price for microled but I just don’t understand why they’ve abandoned MIP. I won’t buy any non MIP Fenix unless it has MIP-like battery life. The microled was the hope to compete with MiP battery life but instead it lasts even shorter than Oled

Apple has more features, particularly if you pay for pro apps. I use a Garmin, it tracks my score, shows distance to greens and hazards, I can use it for running/sleep/gym and the battery lasts days. I wouldn’t change.

Yes, they’ll basically have whatever the phone app does. Garmin stats are the basic ones. (Penalties, GIR, FIR, Putts). No strokes gained is the biggest omission really. Can track shot distances. Keep score. Has distances to greens and hazards. Also different models will have reduced features, the Fenix are full featured of what’s offered in the Garmin range. Doesn’t really bother me though, and I like the Garmin for other sports.

Garmin with MIP display (non amoled, always on) and solar charging. I would vote for Enduro 3 or some from Fenix lineup if you can afford and if the size fits you.

I had similar criteria and got a rose gold fenix. It's great

On my 7.5 inch wrists, I prefer the 51. See how the 47 vs the 51 looks. Much better battery on the 51, too. https://preview.redd.it/n3v5vtvfu7xe1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a42f9a77be278b9a8e9fc998f9ddc0ccf0ec76b6

Benefits of 20 years in construction… used to have a Fenix 5 plus, Apple Watch Series 4, Applewatch Ultra and various actual watch’s… all felt …’dainty’… the 7X was chosen for the largest screen (& torch)…. Considering the a move to amoled now and half considering the 47mm as it has the same size screen as the 51mm…. Lighter weight, lower cost but a shorter battery life…. But I can deal with that

For tne fenix line, agree 100%. Garmin needs to stop chasing Apple, double down on what makes Garmins special especially battery life