I just got the Quatix 8 in 47mm and it has all of your required features, plus I think its the best looking Garmin right now. Battery lasts 15 days on a charge. love it.
https://preview.redd.it/tlszgqfe13gg1.jpeg?width=1848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5278ea2b3202bb61f1c1f330b6fdee57f69f1467
I'd suggest creating a list of features in your AWU that you can't live without, then seeing if Garmin can support it. This will help you decide if you'll be ok with the tradeoffs and also potentially help you assess what you truly "need" out of a watch. I would also assess the features on the Garmin watch you're interested in, and see how that compares with the AWU. You may end up with things you "need" or really want that the AWU doesn't have (e.g., battery life or flashlight). Afterwards, assess your tradeoffs both ways. You might find one is missing more than the other, or one is missing more important things to you.
I got the F8 (AMOLED 47mm) recently and now I don't know how I was even surviving with only the 9 days on my F6S before this! I forget the last time I even charged it. The flashlight has also been very helpful for random things. Also, I would recommend sticking with an AMOLED display, I think you'll be very underwhelmed with a MIP one coming from your AWU.
I just went from a Fenix 6s to a Fenix 8, and I'm really glad I upgraded screens from MIP to AMOLED (along with size to 47mm). Not as important to everyone, but I think it's something worth comparing and considering.
You and I are/were in the same spot. I got my AMOLED 47mm Titanium black DLC, a week or so ago from the same deal. I have not owned a watch in like decades but I love this watch and wish I had picked one up years ago, it really helps you if you are trying to get fitter.
Its a lot of money so here is my opinion and hope it helps you:
In terms of sizing, I believe the 47 and 51 have the same display size, so the only thing bigger about the 51 is weight, **battery** and bezel. I think most reviewers say the bigger watch gets you a day or 2 more battery than on the AMOLED. From your pictures, I have a slightly larger wrist than you, personally in terms of looks the 47 looks better on anyone with average wrist size like us. You'd really have to think about how much you prefer the MIP battery life for extremely long outdoor useage of if you want to charge your watch once a month (mine lasts about a week with AOD on). From what I've seen from reviews the battery on AMOLED version is more than sufficient for marathon/triathlons.
In terms of the screen, my coworker has an instinct solar, its definitely not an ugly display but its also not comparable to any AMOLED from any manufacturer including the Garmin AMOLED version. I've been outside on walks/runs with my Fenix 8 and I've not been in any condition where I had trouble reading the AMOLED screen. Conversely, my coworker has a MIP Garmin and its definitely not as easily viewed in our office setting but its not as if you can't read it, its just not as easy to glance at in certain lighting conditions without the backlight.
Weight is something you also should think about. The larger displays and the Solar in terms of specs are heavier which some people are sensitive to. I'm personally not. I saw a ton of reviewers say the weight of the Fenix is noticeable at night when sleeping compared to something like a Vivoactive, Venu or Forerunner. Personally, this is my first watch (smart, fitness) in decades and I can't tell the difference between this and the Vivoactive. I think the weight sensitivity is contingent to where you wear it, the closer to the wrist the more you feel the weight. There is also the nylon band option if the weight really bothers you.
With no gps activity and stock watch face I get 20-22 days on my fenix 8 47 mm AMOLED. Always on display is off.
With 2h gps activity every day I get about 7-9 days
I went from Apple Watch to Garmin fenix 8 few months ago. Honestly Garmin motivates me more to be active, over all Garmin is better, it looks like a watch, you can use it as a watch only and battery holds for long time.
Well Apple Watches are basically extensions of a iPhone and a toy (this comes from someone who used Apple Watches for ages). I’ve been using fenix 8 for almost a year and I couldn’t be more happy. No need for daily charge, can run expedition activities for weeks (especially ocean crossings). Pairing that with inreach and you have a whole great package for any adventure you want!
970 is lighter but still faces lots of software issues. I went through 3 in 5 weeks because of issues.
The Fenix is bigger and heavier. I don’t love the new buttons on it either.
Both have drawbacks, I’d say it’s more personal preference of the two designs.
Signal_13
