Garmin Fenix 8 In-Depth Review // More Smarts, More Sports…Worth The Upgrade?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Everything you need to know about the new Fenix 8 from Garmin. Tested for GPS accuracy, heart rate accuracy, navigation, smartwatch features, and more! You can get the Fenix 8 here: bit.ly/Shop-Ga... (affiliate link that helps support the channel - thanks!)
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#garmin #garminfenix #garminfenix8
a really nice watch, but when I saw the price, I realised that I still love my Fenix7 Pro very, very much and will continue to do so for a long time to come
Iam a 6 pro user and for sure not gonna pay that price tag :D
I'm more interested to know about Instinct 3X if it going to be released at all.
Same here brother.
Can't wait for it.
anyone know when will it come out? I am excited too.
@@hugolai6790 No idea. I can't wait.
Then why you here? Really weird commenting about a watch that hasn’t been released hahahahahaha
Thanks for the video ! Very instructive.I'll definitely keep my Epix pro gen 2 for the moment !!
Thanks!
Thank you. Before I buy a new one, definetely watch your videos.
Thanks so much!
I'm fenix 7 pro user and I'm sticking to it :D
Which one 47mm ou 51 ? Do you have pictures of it ?
I got the 7x solar (non pro) of offer for a good price. I'm happy with that 😅
@@Jean-gx9ed Why do you need pictures ? 🙄🤣🤣🤦♂️
1000%
Definitely not worth the upgrade considering the price holy crap
Great review. Thanks for saving me a grand this year garmin :)
For me with an Epix Gen 2, the addition of the flash light, added dive functionality, voice functions, and slightly larger screen, might be good enough reason to upgrade. But maybe I will wait a year before I do...
Feel exact the same, coming from the epix 2 this is a nice upgrade
Id love the upgrade to the map routing and the flashlight. I'm also an epix gen 2 user.
Прохождение поинтересоваться, Вы пробовали 7x pro?
Стоит ли их менять на epix 2 pro?
I’m thinking there’s not quite enough there to justify an upgrade from Epix Gen 2 Sapphire. I’ll wait for the series 9. It’s getting a bit like phones these days. We reached near peak tech and changes are mostly cosmetic though I operate the watch with the phone connect smart features off😂. I purchased the Epix for health tracking and sports namely running and mountain climbing / hiking. I don’t need or want to get text messages etc on my watch when doing these things. I love the endurance, altitude and heat acclimation features. Epix gen 2 is still a relevant and super watch.
@@Writer_Davide I am on the same page with you! Like there are fun new features, but are they $1,100 worth of new features, heck no! Doesn't mean I wouldn't like to have them though. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to upgrade from a great watch in the Epix 2 for features that only slightly enhance my day-to-day use (the flashlight seems like the best improvement).
Love the point you made about phones. Many parallels there. I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Love the heck out of it. But it's about to be 5 years old and even though the year over year upgrades aren't much. After a few years they start to add up.
The sweet spot for me on the Fenix will probably be when they add the LTE version, which I don't care for and then I will buy the version before that on a deep discount. Or when my Epix 2 dies. Which I would hope the former happens first.
47mm with the 1.4 screen AMOLED seems like the biggest upgrade to me over the previous epix pro Gen 2, getting a previous 51mm screen in a 47mm body is cool
The 965 had the 1.4" screen in a 47mm model already. Happy they made the bezel smaller for the Fenix. It was my reason to choose Forerunner over the epix.
@@lhzsdgsfbvv didn't realize they did that to that one too that's sweet
Nice! Can't wait for the Enduro 3 review. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks! Coming up!
Bro you are fast
🏃
Bro, you are fast.*
He gets pre release units. In the beginning he said, he’d been training with it for a while.
@@kdlusmc 👍👍
but DC rainmaker was faster !! (if i'm not wrong ......XD)
Nice changes. Garmin should release all these software updates to at least the previous gen flagships like the Fenix 7. I do not see a reason why the new UI should not be there. I would love Garmin more if they start to do this.
They will but in time, they have to sell the new line First.
They aren’t like coros they won’t update the ui.
@@bb4prelude73 AW, you mean the user interface, Sorry. I was think about some new feature like the adaptive router trip.
Because then there wouldn't be much reason to purchase the 8 if you own the 7.
@@OriginalPuro maybe yes for moving from one gen to the next. But it may make for more loyal customers that eventually upgrade at some point. Much like Apple and how they manage iOS. The hardware should mostly justify the cost not software changes. This is really pricey gear
"Thank you very much for a very thorough review."
🤙
Awesome review! Was really wanting upgrade from Fenix 5x soon, I have definitely gotten my moneys worth out of it over 6 years of use! This review has convinced me to upgrade to the Fenix 8!
Just upgrades from the F7 standard. A massive upgrade. Ive taken the jump to AMOLED based on your love of it Des. Still getting used to the AMOLED however the watch is a dream after the recent updates. Thanks for the video.
Nice review, thanks! For me, Fenix 7 still does the job. I`ll skip the 8. Since they already added the mic and speaker, I`d want cellular in the F9.
Don't skip it. Fenix 7 doesn't have a dive mode. Throw your money on a new Fenix 8. It's much better, much more than you can believe.
@@usefulknowledge6074 Funny comment
@@usefulknowledge6074lawak lo bambang
It’s crazy to see you and Ray in Tossa. Crazy. It’s my favourite summer place!
It was my first time there - love it!
Love that it now has dive functionality ❤❤❤
Yes, no more swaping to the MK2. One watch does everything.
I have been waiting for this video from this channel, thanks!
Thanks!!
NOOOOOOOO I just bought it but didn't see the affiliate link! Sorry man. Appreciate the video!
Dayyyum Des!! Loving the “running difficulty” data post session. Looks fun!
Thanks man!! 🤙
Ordered! can't wait for this to arrive.
Enjoy!
Thanks, Des. Always look forward to what you have to say!
Thanks so much!
I am still looking at a few Garmin watches, there are a lot of options out on Garmin watches, and I would LOVE to have a $1,000 watch -one life to live.
Was thinking about trying out a garmin watch but after seeing this video I think I’ll just stick with my AW ultra
Your tests are amazingly detailed. From these tests it looks compared to Fenix8, Epix Pro has significantly longer battery life, slightly more accurate GPS, slightly inferior elevation, and slightly more accurate & responsive HR sensor. So Epix Pro is superior to Fenix 8 for PRO users. Is that right?
I like how you switched the bands. I’m not sure which color maybe I’ll just stick to all black
great in-depth video as always. unfortunately, i can't seem to justify the price tag. it's insane...
appreciate the review. very informative. I'll hold out till the fenix 9/10.
Thanks!
Поддерживаю
Did they improve the processor at all to reduce lag, or is it the same as the last generation? I assume the latter.
Thanks for the review!
Fantastic and thorough review! Top-notch, as usual! Thanks!
Thanks!
Great video Des! Love the footage and the info man as always!
Thanks Eric! Hope all is well!
@@DesFit It is! Same to you man!
I'm a die hard G shock fan. I've been wearing the GBDH1000 which then got discontinued so i went with GBDH2000. Both have excellent MIP display. And great battery life but as you know casio app interface is just horrible. It's almost useless considering how hard it is to navigate and waste of time. But it's a g shock so it's durable and never broke on me even wearing every day to work, shower, swimming, surfing, hiking.
I just ordered the fenix 8 and went with the solar MIP display. Was hesitant to buy the fenix 7xpro since the battery life seemed a little low. But now that went up, it's time for me to try it. Really looking forward to the useful modes on the garmin watch, and the flashlight. That itself made me want it even more. I hate having to pull out my phone or find a flashlight when i'm out camping. Now i can go pee without searching for my flashlight i probably kicked to the side of my tent. :D
Hey, I was between GBD-H2000 and Instinct 2.
Went for Garmin, mostly because of the app.
Every now and then I have a look at the GBD and I am wondering if I made the right choice.
@@Koufalia4 If you actually use your watch for fitness like the apps, i would say garmin was the right choice.
If you're a person that likes a watch that rarely needs to be charged ( i haven't charged mine in over 4 months) and is just rugged as hell. G shock is the way i think.
Only reason i'm switching is mainly for the flashlight to be honest ahahah. When i work out i dont look at my heart rates and stuff like that anyways.
If it wasn't for the flashlight, i probably wouldn't buy the garmin from a GBDH2000. I mean this watch looks sexy and the display is just so clear. One thing casio did good with the MIP display.
Great review. Thank you! I think I love to have the ability to answer my phone calls with my Garmin watch. I'm most likely to say good bye to my Fenix 7X
I’m such a sucker for buying new garmin tech… they know just how to make new models look, feel and perform cool enough to lure me in, Fenix 8 included
And this is why prices keep going up
Thanks for the great overview! I guess I will upgrade from my Fenix 6 to the new 8 version - although it’s really expensive!
Great informative vid ✅ Thanks bud
Thanks!
Amazing video!!
I am going to stay with my 51mm Fenix 7X Pro for now. Not really in a hurry to adopt amoled or a speaker/mic.
Great review as always. You rock!!
Thanks Sean!
Ordered one yesterday. Upgrading from a Fénix 7 Solar that I’ve had since it came out. Pretty decent upgrade for me.
'I MUST CONSUME'
what the fuk is wrong with you people
I will still love my Fenix 7X Pro sapphire Solar Titanium Metal edition :)
So how does that work. Can you connect headphones over Bluetooth to the watch and then listen to music without your phone if you have the music downloaded to the watch?
And is the Fenix 8 Compatible with youtube music or can you only use Spotify?
Great Video about the watch!!!!
Just a quick note, wait...Excellent review, ok back to what I was gonna say!! I know you know, but you can Customize each button! So instead of having music on the lower left...You can program it to anything....I love that feature!!!
Yup, definitely! It's just that the stage/lanes concept doesn't seem to translate to buttons as intuitively as I wish it could. Not sure what options there are really. Thanks!
Finally. I was starting to believe garmin wouldn't launch this year
they really put everything in it ... great review as usual Des!!!
Thanks!!
This should make the next Tactix absolutely amazing
Was it the fenix 8 47mm you were testing? Amazing videos, always love the in depth tests you do so thank you!
Fenix 8 AMOLED 47 sapphire/ti 👍 thanks!
Thanks!!
🤙
yeah thanks. I am sticking to my Fenix 7 Solar. Payed 500€ for it and that was already expensive.
Very helpful… just purchased! 😊
Enjoy your new watch!
some nice software features I hope gen 7 will recive in next update - touch lockscreen and notificacion button on/off
You can set touchscreen on/off to a hot key on the fenix 7. Probably easier than the swipe feature anyways
@@andyhickmann2173 true, it’s easier. What I am interested in is to have notifications under UP button - now I need to push up button and open notifications- more moves than needed.
F8 is a nice evolution to F7 but not revolution, will upgrade mine F7 probably to F10 😂
Fenix 6 is still good for me)
But I wish to have an amoled display
This review makes me wanna upgrade my old watch so much! 🤩 I love all the new features, especially the dive functionality - finally, I'm ready to make a splash! 🌊 Just hope the battery lasts longer on this one. Anyone else feeling the temptation? 😅
It’s not cellular!!?? Are you kidding!!! No way I’m buying this, especially at this price and more so, when it’s a “work in progress”. I’m going to save my $$$ and wait for the Fenix cellular, which is inevitable.
I am a keen cyclist and being a weight-weenie counts. My IPhone weighs in at 360gms and I don’t fancy lugging it around. Personally, for me, I long for when the Garmin Edge head unit goes cellular. The idea of wearing a Garmin watch, carrying a Garmin bike computer and a mobile phone is just crazy.
What is Garmin thinking???
Great review Des Thanks
You could also just mitigate the performance lost by carrying a 360 gram phone by training more, cutting alcohol, etc.
@@erichenbergereven if you lose the weight you’ll always have 360 useless grams on you. Argument is invalid.
wow, I wish I was so good to care about 390 grams. how did you do at the olympics?
@@erichenbergeryou’re having a lend surely? Who the hell wants to run with their phone? What a pain in the arse. It’s wild you still need your phone with this watch
@@erichenberger or you can do both
Great job, Des. (As always.) 👍👏
Thanks so much!
Considering the Epix Gen 2 sapphire titanium has been selling at around $500 all summer, it seems insane to release that Fenix E for $800. They're opening the door for Coros and the upcoming Apex 3.
$349 at Sams club in store!!
Where do you find it or live? been looking for Epix gen 2 for 3 months and doesnt get lower than 700$ (not even the sapphire version)
@@Christian_Leite I went to a Sam’s Club in Illinois and it was $349 for the standard Epix 2.
Even more so, what does E mean? When they released these watches, we all assumed this would be the MIPS endurance watch.
So cynical to release outdated tech in this lineup at greater cost than the original. If they had sold these for US$500 this would have possibly been OK.
Thank you. Does the speaker allow you to listen to voice pace notifications while running?
would this be a good upgrade from the Fenix 6
My Fenix 5 still works great for my IM training and racing... However I think it might be time for an upgrade
Thanks for the review. Its nice that they bump up the size of the screens while keeping/improving battery. Additionally, at least the 47 mm is quit a bit thinner, did you notice this? I think thats also really good for people who wear the watch 24/7.
Will they also release pro version for Fenix?
Came here to listen to Ray's phone call on your end.
Correct on the bumped price compared to the 7 range. The differences (discounted Enduro 2) and Enduro 3 aren’t that big so Enduro 3 may be on my short list. For the 8, don’t see many things why I wouldn’t choose a 7 Pro on discount. Defo will check out your video on the Enduro 3.
Why do I have this urge to buy something that I don’t really need 😬
m a r k e t i n g
I recently changed my Instinct solar to a Fenix 6 Pro Solar, but I didn’t know Fenix 8 was coming out literally one week later… Do you think it’s still worth it for the next two years more or less?
i still loved my fenix 6x saphire.all of those features of fenix 8 i can used using my iphone 15 pro max 1tb fully paid.i'll save my money for now.
But Fenix 7 is actually nice. For me significantly better than Fenix 6. The display looks better, touch screen adds advantages in some scenarios and the flashlight... also even more usefull than I thought.
So, maybe it's a time to upgrade to 7, when the price goes down
But yeah, in finex 8 the only interesting updates is the black solar panel and the new buttons design, so it's really waterproof.
Thanks for the review! I have some questions:
- Is there a possibility to use a nautical GPS (like Navionics)?
- With the speaker now included, is there like a vocal coach when working out? which would guide you throughout the workout session
Wow! How i wish i could own a Fenix watch someday..
(time 14-15 mins)- coming from a Suunto 9 peak, hopefully getting on the of the fenix 8 versions.... waiting for MIP solar review from you sir.... there are these pages in sunnto like the 3rd page is music on home screen, so maybe they were thinking like people who will switch from other watches? maybe.
Another top notch video 👍
Thanks!
Can you do a review of garmins new strength training feature
Yup! On my list of things 👍
Brilliant cant wait to purchase it
Could you compare the visibility in sunlight and glare with Epix 2 pro and the redrawing of the maps?
Coming from a fenix5X and I’ve been waiting forever for this watch I’ll get it despite the price 😖😖
Few questions:
1) can it show icons for notifications from apps like telegram, banks etc (current watches know only very limited set of icons)
2) can one expect new notification center on older models (like venu3)?
3) can one expect voice memo on venu3?
4) can one expect new strength exercise to on older watches which do support strength exercise already?
Many thanks in advance
We saw that humble-brag of your VO2 😉😄
It was one of the charts where I saw a difference 🤷♂️🙃
@@DesFit 🫡😂😂
I got the 6 sapphire pro and I'll wait until 9.
The 7 was a big upgrade but now I'm thinking that the next big upgrade is coming for the Fenix 9, so I'll wait.
PS: Again, Apple being consumer hostile and disallowing features for non-Apple products.
Now i can use my watch properly with freediving 😊
Nice review Des. Reflecting on the UI of the watch and navigation between screens, it seemed crazy slow. If not as slow as the previous gen with the same processor.
Assuming Garmin didn’t upgrade the processor on this new release which is disappointing.
Maybe Des can ask Garmin. It would be quite interesting to know.
Great review, as always. Is there any flashlight info?
Yup, flashlights on all Fenix 8 and Enduro 3, just not Fenix E. Thanks!
Do you get a working Heart Rate Sensor in this brand new Garmin Fenix 8? My Epix2 51mm 1150 Euro Watch only measures crap (hanging at low frequencies and stays there). This issue is known at the garmin forum since 2 Months for the 17.28 Software Release. But the 18.12 Beta isnt changing anything here.
Seems Garmin selling premium sports watches but isnt able to fix major bugs for months, that transforms the watch into an expensive letterweight.
Okay... I literally just bought an Epix Pro Gen 2 47mm Sapphire a few weeks ago. I'm still within my return window. What are your thoughts compared to this Fenix 8?? I actually like the look of the smaller bevel on this one... CHOICES!!
Excellent video. Thank you.
Thanks!
Still love garmin tactix delta
chapter marks?
Amazing video! Thanks for the quick one. I definitely will be keeping my Fenix 7X SS. Don’t need any of voice commands or the diving stuff. Other than that, just wonder if some of the software and UI new things (not that there’s a lot) will be brought down to the 7/7pro and epix/epix pro.
Digging the silver/gray ultrafit watch band. Do you have the model number or a link to buy one?
Adding LTE would’ve been a complete game changer for me. I’ll just keep using my Epix Pro 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 combo when I run. Seems like Garmin is afraid to add LTE to their watches because they know they’ll lose the one advantage they have over Apple which is battery life. The GPS on that Ultra is just as good as any Garmin and the heart rate sensor on the Apple is definitely better.
I am so glad there are amoled options in the fenix line up. I have been holding back on buying one since I bought the fenix 5 because I wasn't a fan of the display but loved everything else feature wise. And adding a speaker is awesome too! I'm stoked to see Garmin making these improvements!
Understood, ordering an Epix Gen 2 for GBP 324. Currently rocking a Fenix 5 plus which is strarting to struggle to last 14 hours with GPS, HR and Stryd connected. Were it not for the battery I would happily use it for another Fenix cycle.
Wow awesome review, thanks!
Quick question: on Garmin website, it says the case is either in stainless steel or in titanium? What is it for the amoled versions?
The AMOLED versions come in either stainless steel or titanium. The MIP Solar versions only come in titanium.
@@DesFit Thx!
I hate that they have ditched MIP version for 43 mm version... So, I would rather stay to my Fenix 7SS for a long-time...
Same, 4 day battery life on the 8 43mm when the display is 'always on' for 999,- is insanity compared with the 12 days on the 7S SS which had a significantly lower starting price.
I’ll just wait for the fénix 8x pro
I was thinking of buying the descent mk3, but now with the diving option of this fenix 8 im going to save around 500€.... I think now is a real all terrain watch. Mis dieses por el vídeo
Curious about the Strength App changes
Des can I ask what the grey band is on the Epix, it's genius!!
Wow. Excellent review..
Thanks!
Watch looks good, but this is not the watch that's gonna replace my FR955. I still prefer the MIP display and the extremely light weight of the FR955. Not to mention, the 955 has all the important features of the Fenix 8
Love how it looks. How big is your wrist? I deciding between the 43mm vs 47mm.
185mm
Glad i picked up a used tactix 7 pro ballistics for $600 😎
Tactix series for the win! I had a charlie and now a 7 pro can't wait for the 8 to come out, I hope it will still have a MIP display
Got an AWU. I wanted to switch to garmin mainly for the battery life but with this price bump, not so sure now