Garmin Fenix 8 review: Everything you need to know

The Garmin Fenix 8 marks a significant leap forward in smartwatch technology. What makes this premium smartwatch (complete with a premium price tag) particularly interesting is that it's the first Fenix watch to feature built-in speakers and microphones for calls and voice commands.

With this in mind, we've thoroughly reviewed this military-grade timepiece that boasts impressive capabilities like 40-meter dive depth tracking and up to 145 hours of run tracking. As smartwatch enthusiasts, we can confirm that the new AMOLED display, available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, offers notably better brightness and responsiveness compared to previous models.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this robust smartwatch, from its enhanced GPS accuracy to its impressive 16-day battery life in smartwatch mode. Furthermore, we'll explore whether these features justify its position as one of the best Garmin watches available today.

Check out our selection of Garmin straps and accessories.

Design and Build Quality of the Garmin Fenix 8

Sporting a rugged yet sophisticated design, the Garmin Fenix 8 showcases significant improvements in its build quality. The watch maintains its signature robust appearance whilst introducing groundbreaking display options and enhanced durability features.

Display options: AMOLED vs Solar

The Fenix 8 offers two distinct display variants to suit different user preferences. The AMOLED version boasts a crystal-clear 454 x 454-pixel touchscreen display, delivering vibrant colours and enhanced readability. Additionally, the Solar edition features a more energy-efficient Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display with 260 x 260 pixels, complemented by an improved solar charging ring that boosts battery efficiency by over 25%.

Whilst the AMOLED display offers superior brightness and clarity, the Solar variant excels in direct sunlight visibility. The Solar edition's display includes an innovative solar ring around the screen, effectively balancing power consumption with performance. Moreover, the AMOLED model includes an auto-brightness feature that adjusts to ambient lighting conditions, although this affects battery consumption.

New leak-proof buttons and depth sensor

A standout feature of the Fenix 8 is its innovative inductive button technology. Unlike traditional designs with physical holes in the case, these buttons use induction to detect presses, eliminating potential water entry points. This advancement ensures consistent water resistance throughout the watch's lifespan.

The watch incorporates a sophisticated depth sensor, automatically initiating dive activities when detecting pressure changes. This sensor supports diving up to 40 meters, aligning with recreational diving limits. The Auto Dive feature can be customised through settings, including a snooze option for temporary deactivation.

Built-in flashlight functionality

The Fenix 8's integrated LED flashlight proves remarkably practical for various situations. Positioned on the watch's front, it offers three white brightness levels and one red brightness setting. Users can activate the flashlight through a simple double-tap of the upper left button, making it easily accessible during activities.

The red light mode serves particularly well for preserving night vision, whilst the white LED provides sufficient illumination for path finding in complete darkness. This thoughtful addition enhances the watch's utility beyond its primary functions, making it a versatile tool for outdoor adventures and everyday use.

The combination of these design elements and build quality features positions the Fenix 8 as a robust multisport watch. The attention to detail in waterproofing, display options, and practical additions like the flashlight demonstrates Garmin's commitment to creating a watch that excels in both form and function.

You can also take a look at our collection of Garmin Fenix 8 straps. 

New Voice and Audio Features

The latest addition of voice and audio capabilities to the Garmin Fenix 8 brings a fresh dimension to this premium smartwatch. Through the integration of a microphone and speaker system, users can now access an array of audio-centric features that enhance both functionality and convenience.

Taking calls on your wrist

The Fenix 8 enables users to handle phone calls directly from their wrist, provided their smartphone remains within Bluetooth range. Whilst this feature offers convenience, it's essential to note that the watch cannot independently make or receive calls without a connected phone. Users can access the calling feature through the phone menu, where they'll find options to dial numbers using a keypad or select contacts from their saved list.

Offline voice commands

One of the most significant advancements in the Fenix 8 is its offline voice command system. By holding down the upper right button, users can activate the voice recognition feature, which operates entirely independently of internet connectivity. The system processes commands within approximately four seconds, allowing users to:

• Start activities

• Set timers

• Check heart rate

• Save locations

• Control music playback

• Adjust watch settings

Nevertheless, the current implementation requires specific phrasing and doesn't support wake words like "Hey Garmin". The watch also offers integration with smartphone voice assistants, enabling access to Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby directly from the wrist.

Voice notes recording

The voice notes feature stands out as a practical tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Users can record thoughts and observations without needing their phones or an internet connection. The system offers several customisation options, such as:

• Location tagging for each recording

• Volume adjustment capabilities

• Playback controls

• Note management functions

Presently, these voice notes remain stored on the watch, though Garmin has confirmed that phone synchronisation capabilities are under development.

Diving Capabilities and Water Performance

Diving enthusiasts will find the Fenix 8's underwater capabilities particularly compelling. This premium timepiece now includes advanced diving features that align with EN13319 standards for dive computers, establishing it as a reliable companion for underwater adventures.

We have a large selection of Garmin Fenix 8 Solar straps and accessories. 

Depth gauge and underwater metrics

The Fenix 8 incorporates a sophisticated depth sensor that accurately measures depths from 0 to 40 meters with a resolution of 0.1 metres. The watch automatically initiates dive tracking once you descend below 1.6 metres, ensuring seamless monitoring of your underwater activities.

For safety purposes, the watch implements strict depth limitations. Upon exceeding the 45-meter threshold, the device stops reporting depth measurements until you ascend above this limit. Subsequently, if this limit is breached, the scuba dive activity becomes unavailable for 24 hours to prevent inaccurate guidance.

Recreational scuba features

The watch employs the Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression model with Gradient Factors, offering comprehensive dive planning capabilities. Scuba enthusiasts can benefit from:

• Single-gas mode with Nitrox support (21-40% Oxygen)

• Customizable PO2 settings up to 1.6

• Automatic altitude adjustment

• No-fly time calculations

• NDL (No Decompression Limit) monitoring

The device allows divers to customize their experience through various settings, including conservatism levels that affect decompression calculations. Higher conservatism settings provide shorter bottom times whilst ensuring longer ascent durations. Additionally, the watch features an Auto Save Timeout function, enabling users to set specific intervals before the device concludes and saves dive data after surfacing.

Free diving mode

The Fenix 8's free diving capabilities extend beyond basic depth tracking. The watch includes specialised apnea disciplines and customisable settings for different diving styles. Underwater, the device maintains constant monitoring of:

• Ascent and descent rates

• Water temperature

• Compass heading with quick changes

• Surface intervals

• Tissue saturation levels

The watch's interface provides real-time feedback through vibration alerts and alarms, ensuring divers stay informed about critical parameters without requiring visual confirmation. Furthermore, the device automatically records GPS coordinates at entry and exit points, simplifying dive site documentation.

Water resistance testing

Meeting rigorous water resistance standards, the Fenix 8 boasts a 10 ATM rating alongside its EN 13319 dive certification. The watch withstands pressure equivalent to depths of 100 meters, albeit operational dive features are limited to 40 metres for safety compliance.

The device incorporates pool mode functionality for training purposes. Whilst in this mode, the decompression lockout feature remains active, however, dives are not recorded in the dive log. This feature proves valuable for skill practise and equipment familiarisation in controlled environments.

The integration with Garmin's Dive app enhances the post-dive experience, allowing detailed analysis of dive profiles and comprehensive logging capabilities. The surface diver status widget provides essential information including:

• Current surface interval duration

• Nitrogen loading status

• CNS oxygen toxicity levels

• Tissue saturation metrics

The watch's advanced safety features include customisable safety stops between 3 and 5 meters, which can be configured based on personal preferences or diving conditions. Accordingly, the device monitors ascent rates and provides clear alerts if safety parameters are exceeded.

GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy

Putting the Garmin Fenix 8 through rigorous testing across varied terrains reveals impressive improvements in tracking accuracy. After weeks of intensive use, the watch demonstrates remarkable precision in both location tracking and biometric measurements.

Multi-band GPS performance

The Fenix 8 employs advanced GNSS technology, supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou satellite systems. The watch's SatIQ technology automatically selects optimal satellites, striking an intelligent balance between accuracy and battery consumption.

The AutoSelect mode proves particularly effective, automatically switching between GPS modes to optimize both accuracy and battery life. For maximum precision, the multi-band mode delivers outstanding results, accurately tracing routes even in demanding conditions. Remarkably, the watch achieves up to 149 hours of battery life in 'GPS Only' mode for the 51mm Solar model, representing a 22% increase from its predecessor.

Heart rate monitoring during different activities

The Fenix 8 incorporates Garmin's latest Elevate 5 wrist heart rate sensor with ECG capabilities. Extensive testing against chest straps reveals fascinating insights into its performance across various activities:

• Steady-state runs and marathons show excellent accuracy, matching chest strap readings almost beat-for-beat

• High-intensity interval training presents occasional challenges, primarily during rapid heart rate changes

• Ultra-distance events with varied terrain demonstrate some fluctuations, especially during significant elevation changes

The optical heart rate sensor performs admirably during consistent effort activities. Nonetheless, for precise heart rate-based training or detailed workout analysis, pairing with a chest strap remains beneficia. In cooler temperatures (around 12°C), the sensor maintains reliable readings, outperforming previous generations.

Altimeter and compass reliability

The barometric altimeter delivers consistent elevation readings, requiring occasional calibration to maintain accuracy. The watch's multi-sensor approach combines GPS data with barometric readings, eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration during long-distance activities.

The magnetic compass provides reliable directional guidance, working seamlessly with the enhanced mapping features. Both the altimeter and compass benefit from the watch's comprehensive sensor array, including:

• Barometric altimeter for elevation tracking

• Accelerometer for movement detection

• Thermometer for temperature monitoring

• Gyroscope for orientation sensing

The watch's tracking capabilities shine brightest during mixed-terrain activities. Throughout a series of test runs, including urban routes and forest trails, total distances consistently fell within acceptable margins of error for official race routes. Furthermore, the real-time pace readings prove reliable enough for precise training sessions, barring occasional fluctuations in extremely challenging GPS environments.

For heart rate monitoring, the watch demonstrates marked improvement over previous models, especially in steady-state activities. Whilst the optical sensor occasionally struggles with rapid intensity changes, its overall performance proves more than adequate for most training scenarios. Most notably, the watch maintains accuracy within 2-3 beats per minute of chest strap readings during standard training sessions.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life stands as a crucial factor in the Garmin Fenix 8's performance, offering distinct advantages across its various models. Through extensive testing, I've uncovered the real-world capabilities that set this timepiece apart from its predecessors.

Real-world battery performance

Daily usage reveals fascinating insights into the Fenix 8's power management. The 51mm MIP Solar variant, whilst using smart features and tracking daily activities, consumes approximately 3-4% battery per day. Interestingly, the first few hours after a full charge show a slightly higher drain of about 2%, after which the consumption stabilises.

The AMOLED models demonstrate remarkable efficiency, surpassing even Garmin's official estimates. In testing, the 47mm AMOLED version lasted eight full days with always-on display enabled, encompassing:

• 4.5 hours of tracked running

• 3.5-hour hike

• 50-minute cycle

• Two 40-minute gym sessions

Without the always-on display feature, the battery drain ranges between 6-10% daily, making Garmin's 16-day battery claim achievable under moderate use. Consequently, music playback impacts battery life significantly, consuming 5-6% per hour.

Solar charging effectiveness

The Solar editions showcase substantial improvements in charging efficiency. The 51mm Solar model achieves up to 149 hours in GPS-only mode, whilst the 47mm version reaches 92 hours. Most remarkably, the All Systems + Multiband mode demonstrates significant gains:

• 47mm: Extended from 26 to 43 hours

• 51mm: Increased from 41 to 65 hours

The solar charging technology employs a semitransparent layer of solar cells, strategically positioned between the display and glass. The effectiveness depends on exposure to bright sunlight, measured against a reference of 50,000 lux over 3 hours daily. Furthermore, recent design improvements have enhanced solar efficiency by reducing bezel size and incorporating larger solar rings around the display.

Battery saving tips

Based on extensive testing, several strategies effectively extend battery life. First and foremost, adjusting display settings yields significant improvements:

• Reducing screen timeout duration

• Lowering brightness levels

• Disabling always-on display for AMOLED models

Power management becomes more effective through strategic feature control:

• Activating UltraTrac satellite mode for extended activities

• Disabling Bluetooth when connected features aren't needed

• Using the 'Resume Later' option during activity pauses

For optimal battery conservation, consider customising notification settings and health monitoring features. Limiting phone notifications and adjusting heart rate monitoring intervals can significantly reduce power consumption. Similarly, selecting watch faces without second-hand updates proves beneficial for battery longevity.

The battery saver feature, accessible through the controls menu, offers a quick solution for extending battery life in watch mode. Throughout testing, I've observed that pulse oximeter settings substantially impact battery performance, with some users reporting up to 5.5% daily drain solely from this feature.

The charging system retains Garmin's traditional four-prong cable design, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories. Whilst solar charging provides supplementary power, it's essential to understand that optimal performance requires extended exposure to bright sunlight. The solar technology now features black solar cells instead of deep red, making the solar ring less noticeable and better integrated with the display and bezel.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Connectivity takes centre stage in the Fenix 8, introducing refined smart features that enhance everyday usability. The watch's intelligent notification system and expanded app ecosystem create a seamless bridge between fitness tracking and daily convenience.

Notification handling

The notification management system offers customised control based on your smartphone platform. iPhone users can manage notifications through iOS settings, whilst Android users configure preferences via the Garmin Connect app. The watch displays alerts for calls, messages, and app notifications, maintaining consistent functionality across both platforms.

Garmin's notification centre proves remarkably intuitive, offering quick access to recent alerts through a simple swipe gesture. Users can customise various notification types:

• Health and wellness alerts

• Morning report updates

• System alerts

• Phone connection notifications

Music controls and storage

The Fenix 8 excels in music management, supporting offline playback from popular streaming services including Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. The watch features comprehensive playback controls accessible by holding any button from any screen.

Music functionality encompasses:

• Playlist management

• Volume adjustment

• Track navigation

• Repeat and shuffle modes

The integration with Bluetooth headphones enables wireless audio streaming, eliminating the need for phone connectivity during workouts. Most impressively, the watch includes dedicated storage for offline music playback, setting it apart from more basic models like the Instinct 3.

Garmin Pay and third-party apps

The Garmin Pay feature transforms the Fenix 8 into a contactless payment solution, supporting major credit and debit cards from participating financial institutions. This system employs watch-specific card numbers and transaction codes for each purchase, ensuring secure transactions.

Beyond standard retail payments, Garmin Pay now supports:

• Transit system payments worldwide

• Online purchases in the Connect IQ Store

• Quick access through a customisable passcode

The watch's app ecosystem continues expanding through third-party integrations. Popular platforms like Strava and Stryd seamlessly connect with the device, enhancing its versatility for specific training needs.

Maps and navigation improvements

The mapping capabilities represent a substantial upgrade, primarily benefiting from the AMOLED display's enhanced resolution. The watch displays various map types, including:

• Topographical contours

• Points of interest

• Ski resort maps

• Golf course layouts

The navigation system proves particularly valuable for outdoor adventures. Users can create routes through Gaia GPS and transfer them via the Garmin Explorer app. For extended journeys, the watch supports breaking routes into 50-100 mile sections, matching typical resupply points or significant landmarks.

The mapping interface offers practical features for trail navigation. Upon missing a junction, the watch automatically alerts users about course deviation. Furthermore, the enhanced display resolution enables a clearer representation of map layers and detailed topographical information.

Through WiFi connectivity, the Fenix 8 maintains seamless synchronisation of data, music, and maps. This wireless capability ensures that your watch stays current with the latest updates and map downloads without requiring a phone connection.

The combination of these smart features positions the Fenix 8 as a comprehensive tool for both athletic pursuits and daily tasks. The refined notification system, expanded payment capabilities, and enhanced mapping functionality create a cohesive ecosystem that adapts to various user needs whilst maintaining focus on core fitness tracking capabilities.

Conclusion

After an extensive review of the Garmin Fenix 8, this premium smartwatch stands out as a remarkable achievement in wearable technology. Though priced at a premium rate, the watch justifies its cost through exceptional build quality, military-grade durability, and groundbreaking features like voice commands and diving capabilities.

The addition of speakers and microphones marks a significant shift for Garmin, whilst maintaining the brand's core strengths in GPS accuracy and fitness tracking. Battery life remains impressive, especially with the solar variants offering up to 149 hours in GPS mode.

The watch excels particularly in its diving features, offering professional-grade underwater tracking up to 40 metres. Paired with enhanced heart rate monitoring and improved GPS accuracy, it serves both casual athletes and serious adventurers equally well.

Based on this, the Fenix 8 delivers outstanding performance across all key metrics. Despite minor limitations in speaker volume and occasional heart rate fluctuations during intense workouts, it represents the most capable Garmin watch available today. For users seeking a premium multisport watch that combines rugged reliability with smart features, the Fenix 8 proves an excellent choice.