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The new Garmin Fenix 8 Smartwatch is now available with an Amoled display for the first time. Competitor models already had an Amoled display, which offers particularly rich colours and good contrast. In everyday use, the Garmin display is convincing across the board - the display is easy to read even in sunlight and the strong colours make it easier to find your bearings quickly when biking, road cycling, graveling or running.
Those who prefer extremely long battery life can still choose models with the familiar energy-saving MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display with solar charging lens. According to Garmin, the battery life has been improved compared to the previous model. The 51 mm Amoled model promises a battery life of up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, while the 51 mm solar model with always-on display should last up to 48 days.
However, as with all GPS sports watches, you should expect significantly shorter running times, especially when using the routing function. It is virtually impossible to objectively measure the maximum battery life - the usage profiles are too different. In our test, the watch was used purely as a sports watch and the smartwatch functions were ignored. However, the watch could be used for several days at a time without having to get out the charging cable again.
The weight of the watch is 80 g for the Amoled version (stainless steel 47 mm) with bracelet and 95 g for the 51 mm solar version.
Very good: The map function of the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch
For years, the strength of Garmin sports watches has been in navigation. The Garmin Fenix 8 shines here across the board. It offers improved map functions, including dynamic RoundTrip routing and pre-installed topo maps for Europe. This is an advantage when you unpack the watch and can get started straight away.
The details on the map are impressive and easy to read. If you are travelling by bike in the city, you can even read street names when the map is enlarged. Compared to competitor models such as the Suunto Race, the maps are better.
The only question is what level of detail you actually need. Good navigation on country roads or route finding when running off the beaten track is also possible with the Suunto Race.
Speakers & more: Many new functions
One of the biggest innovations is a speaker that can also be used to make calls when the watch is connected to a smartphone. We used the watch purely as a sports watch. The loudspeaker can then be used to get feedback on the next interval during interval training, for example. During running training, you could be informed about your running speed at selected intervals. This could be useful when training in certain pace ranges.
The Garmin Fenix 8 is also equipped with health monitoring functions, including PulseOX5 on the wrist, Body Battery, Jetlag Advisor, Sleep Coach and nap detection. After waking up, the smartwatch creates a personalised morning report that provides an overview of the sleep quality of the previous night, including heart rate variability (HRV) status.
Although we called up the health data on sleep during our test, we were unable to judge how meaningful it is. The feeling after waking up does not always match the report. This can only work if the pulse measurement via the wrist works reliably.
Mostly realistic: heart rate measurement on the wrist
Wrist-based heart rate measurement is a function that Garmin has steadily improved over the years. No differences were found compared to the Fenix 7. The values mostly appear realistic - but there were also incorrect measurements during the test period. In one case, the Garmin Fenix 8 displayed performance in the maximum heart rate range shortly after the start - the value measured with the heart rate belt on another watch showed realistic, lower values.
Play around in the app or simply do sport
Garmin offers the Garmin Connect app for setup and control. If you also want to change the display or add new functions, you can do this via the Garmin Connect IQ app. Spotify, Komoot, Open Runner or weather apps - if you want to play around with the Garmin Fenix 8, you have many options.
An optimised display for indoor training or support for interval training - there is plenty of help for those with an affinity for technology. Interval training can be set up very easily with just a few buttons. PacePro can be used to control a pacing strategy for running marathons.
You can use the almost unlimited possibilities, but you don't have to. If you just want to do sport, you can ignore these functions. Operating the Garmin Fenix 8 is not complicated.
In comparison: Garmin Fenix 8 vs Suunto Race
The Garmin Fenix 8 impresses as a multisport watch with good navigation. The biggest innovation compared to the previous model is the built-in speaker. Compared to competitor products, it offers more functions and better maps. If you want smartwatch functions or the payment function, you have to go for the Garmin Fenix 8 - there is no comparable rival product outside the Garmin world.
The situation is different if you are looking for a pure multisport watch. In one respect, the Suunto Race superior: operation via a digital "crown". On mechanical watches, this wheel was used to set the time. The small wheel on the Suunto Race navigates through the menu and is easy to operate even when wearing gloves. Particularly practical when travelling: you can zoom in and out on the map using the wheel. On the Garmin Fenix 8, this is done by pressing a button, which is much more complicated when travelling or running.
The hook price & favourable alternatives
The biggest drawback of this very good multisport watch is the high price. The Garmin Fenix 8 Amoled 43 mm/47 mm models cost from €999.99 in the box and are reduced from 870 Euro available. If you are looking for a sports watch with smartwatch functions and payment features, you will get a powerful product without competition. However, if you don't want to spend that much money, you can choose between the Garmin Fenix 7 and the Suunto Race select.
The Garmin 7 offers more (smartwatch) functions and the Suunto Race has a better display. Both watches offer high accuracy in GPS positioning and can be easily controlled via the apps and connected to services such as Strava. The biggest difference: Suunto uses open source maps. The sports watches are available in different versions with prices ranging from 330 to 400 euros.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
