Garmin Fēnix 8 Review: The Adventure Companion That Lasts

The Garmin Fēnix 8 is pitched as a premium multisport GPS smartwatch for those who love an outdoor adventure. It's designed to withstand the elements, with features like solar charging and a dive rating that suggest it's built for the rugged outdoors. I spent a couple of weeks with this watch on my wrist to see if it lives up to the hype.

From the get-go, the design of the Fēnix 8 impressed me. It's a solid piece of tech with a robust feel, which is crucial for any device you're supposed to take off the beaten path. However, it's not just about the looks; the watch also promises a slew of advanced features aimed at athletes and adventurers alike.

Besides the GPS capabilities, one of the standout features is the solar charging, which promises to extend the battery life significantly. This could be a game-changer for those who often find themselves away from power sources. But, as with anything that sounds too good to be true, there are some caveats, which I'll get into later.

Overall, my first impression of the Fēnix 8 was positive. It seemed to have all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end smartwatch. Now, let's dive deeper into the specifics of what it offers and how it performs in real-world situations.

The Garmin Fēnix 8 comes with a hefty price tag, and while it's packed with features, whether it's worth the cost depends on how you'll use it. For serious outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, the range of features like multisport tracking, accurate GPS, and solar charging make it a compelling choice.

Compared to other high-end smartwatches, the Fēnix 8 offers a lot of capabilities. The dive-rated feature alone makes it attractive for divers, and the durable build means you're not likely to go through frequent replacements.

However, if you're someone who only casually engages in outdoor activities, the cost might be harder to justify. There are other smartwatches at a lower price point that offer many similar features, albeit without the rugged design and advanced tracking capabilities.

In conclusion, while it's not cheap, the Fēnix 8 offers good value for serious users who will take advantage of all its features.

The design of the Garmin Fēnix 8 is where it really stands out. With a 47 mm dial, it's not exactly small, but it doesn't feel overwhelming on the wrist. The titanium bezel gives it a durable feel, which is exactly what you'd want from a watch meant for outdoor activities. After wearing it for a couple of weeks, I found the size to be quite manageable, though it might be a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists.

One of the key design elements is the sapphire lens, which is touted to be scratch-resistant. During my testing period, I didn't notice any scratches, even after some rough handling. The carbon gray DLC titanium finish also adds a touch of class while ensuring the durability of the watch.

The watch comes with a pebble gray band, which is comfortable enough for daily wear. However, if you're planning on using it for more intense activities, you might want to switch it out for something more sweat-friendly. Overall, the design is a well-thought-out balance between ruggedness and style.

In terms of functionality, the buttons are metal and leakproof, which is a nice touch for anyone who's going to put this watch through the wringer. All in all, the design of the Fēnix 8 is solid and well-suited to its intended purpose.

The battery life on the Garmin Fēnix 8 is one of its standout features. Garmin claims up to 28 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging, and while I didn't quite hit that mark, I got close. Clocking in at around 3 weeks before needing a full charge, it's pretty impressive compared to other smartwatches I've used.

The solar charging is a nice touch, but you need to be outdoors in decent sunlight to really see the benefits. During a particularly sunny week, I noticed the battery percentage would hold steady or even slightly increase after spending a few hours outside each day. It's not a replacement for regular charging, but it does extend the lifespan in between charges.

In GPS mode, the battery still performed well, lasting me about four days with frequent use of the GPS features. Again, the solar charging helped, but don't expect miracles if you're indoors most of the time.

In short, the battery life is one of the Fēnix 8's strongest suits, especially if you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

Wearing the Garmin Fēnix 8 for extended periods was generally comfortable. The pebble gray band is soft and flexible, which made it easy to wear throughout the day and night without any major discomfort. However, during more intense workouts, I found it could get a bit sweaty underneath the band.

The watch itself is on the heavier side, weighing in at around 80 grams. Initially, I was concerned this would feel cumbersome, but after a few days of wearing it, I mostly got used to it. However, for those used to lighter watches, it might take some adjustment.

One thing I appreciated was the adjustable band, which made it easy to get a snug yet comfortable fit. This is crucial for accurate heart rate monitoring and other health metrics that the watch tracks.

Overall, while not the lightest watch on the market, the Fēnix 8 is comfortable enough for all-day wear, especially if you're planning on taking it on more adventurous outings.

When it comes to performance, the Garmin Fēnix 8 doesn't disappoint. The built-in GPS is accurate and quick to lock onto satellites, which is a huge plus for anyone who relies on precise navigation. I tested this on a few hiking trips, and it consistently provided accurate location tracking, even in areas with dense tree cover.

Another feature worth mentioning is the built-in LED flashlight. It's not going to replace your primary light source, but it does come in handy when you need to quickly illuminate something in the dark. The flashlight isn't super bright, but for a wristwatch, it's a useful addition.

The multisport tracking options are extensive. Whether you're into running, swimming, or biking, the Fēnix 8 covers all bases. I tried it out with a mix of activities, and the watch provided a wealth of data, albeit more than most casual users might need. That said, the plethora of performance insights and metrics will likely appeal to serious athletes.

Overall, the watch delivers on its promises when it comes to performance, making it a reliable companion for various outdoor activities.