fenix 8 47mm, Saphire Solar, Outdoor & Fitness GPS Smartwatch, Carbon Gray Titanium Black, Black/Pebble Gray Band, NA
Product details
Web ID: 1987963524 reviews
Mostly Positive, but with a few drawbacks
History; I have been a loyal Garmin Fenix user since the early days of F5, which I enjoyed it tremendously same as F6, F6sPro, F7s Pro SS. So, I have purchased 2x Garmin Fenix 8, 47mm solar/MIP displays, but I had to return them both. Design: superb, best Fenix or Garmin watch to date. Definitely a big pro here. Best rugged sports watch on the market- design & functionality at its best. OS: also excellent, nice overhaul UX, not the most intuitive but easy to adapt to after a little while. Lastly, I didn’t experience any glitches. Another positive point here. Battery: yet again, another home run by Garmin. No issues to report, certainly an improvement from my Fenix 7s Pro Sapphire Solar (42 mm) There are however 2x drawbacks for me. 1. the titanium bezel scratches way too easily. I am VERY careful with all my watches (habit I picked up from wearing expensive mechanical watches like Omega, Tudor, etc)…in a week, it already picked up visible scratches. For a rugged sports watch, I would have preferred a more durable titanium version, or stainless steel would do just fine. 2. my biggest gripe however were the new inductive buttons. About 30% of the time, they didn’t register my input (ps I disabled touchscreen, so I solely relied on buttons interactions; I need a sports watch not a smart one, so if my hands are sweaty or wet, touch screen is moot). These wireless buttons also lacked tactile feedback, despite enabling the vibration feature. I have calibrated the buttons several times via Garmin Express, but to no avail. TL:DR Sadly, I returned the F8, and got an Enduro 3. The buttons are perfect, battery is superlative (best in business), MIP screen is fantastic- exactly what I needed (the lack of speaker and dive functionality on the Enduro 3 have zero effect - I don’t need an extension of my phone on my wrist, AMOLED or MicroLED colour screens…and I’m a land creature). @Garmin - you lost me from continuing w/ the Fenix line, but didn’t jump ship to Suunto, Corps or, god forbid Apple…Soo glad that you continue to make Enduro line. Not all of us want inspector gadget flashy, and admittedly somewhat useless for the most of us , like colour screens that kill battery, microphone or fancy buttons. If one needs diving…don’t you already have Descent series?
Customer review from Garmin
Great
Love it! Its so great, still learning to use some of the features but battery life is amazing
Customer review from Garmin
Great Watch!
I bought this watch last month and I'm glad I did. Very durable than the last watch.
Customer review from Garmin
A Game-Changer for Apple Watch
After years of loyalty to the Apple Watch, from the Series 3 all the way through to the Series 10, I made the leap to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar MIP—and I’m only sorry I didn’t do it sooner. This rugged, feature-packed multisport watch has redefined what I expect from a wearable, offering an unrivaled combination of battery life, functionality, and durability that leaves the Apple Watch in the dust for anyone serious about fitness and outdoor adventures. Unparalleled Battery Life The standout feature of the Fenix 8 Solar MIP is its extraordinary battery life. Unlike the Apple Watch, which demanded nightly charging and barely lasted 18-36 hours (even on the Ultra 2), the Fenix 8 Solar MIP delivers weeks of usage on a single charge. Garmin claims up to 30 days in smartwatch mode for the 51mm version, and with solar charging in optimal conditions, this can extend to 48 days. In my real-world use—daily runs, cycling, and constant heart rate monitoring—I’ve consistently achieved 18-21 days, even with cloudy weather limiting solar gains. This is a revelation compared to the Apple Watch’s constant tether to a charger, making it ideal for long trips or multi-day adventures without worrying about power. A Wealth of Functions The Fenix 8 Solar MIP is a fitness and adventure enthusiast’s dream, offering a staggering array of features that dwarf the Apple Watch’s capabilities. While the Apple Watch excels as a smartwatch with its app ecosystem, it falls short for dedicated sports tracking. The Fenix 8, on the other hand, tracks over 90 sports, including niche activities like scuba diving (with a new depth gauge for up to 40m) and even pickleball. Its multisport mode with automatic transitions is perfect for triathletes, and the advanced training metrics—such as Body Battery, Training Readiness, and Endurance Score—provide actionable insights far beyond Apple’s Activity Rings. The addition of a microphone and speaker is a game-changer, allowing me to take calls directly from the wrist (when paired with my phone) and use voice commands to start activities or set alarms. While not as seamless as Siri on the Apple Watch, it’s a welcome upgrade for a Garmin device. The built-in LED flashlight, with white and red light modes, has also proven surprisingly useful for nighttime runs or navigating in low-light conditions. Navigation is another area where the Fenix 8 shines. With pre-downloaded topographic maps, dynamic round-trip routing, and precise dual-frequency GPS, I’ve confidently explored new trails without fear of getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s GPS is accurate, but its navigation tools pale in comparison, often requiring third-party apps to match Garmin’s native mapping capabilities. Design and Display Switching from the Apple Watch’s vibrant OLED to the Fenix 8’s memory-in-pixel (MIP) display took some adjustment. The MIP screen isn’t as bright or colorful, but it’s always-on, highly readable in sunlight, and doesn’t drain the battery like an AMOLED. The new solar panel enhances clarity over previous MIP displays, and I’ve had no issues reading data during runs or hikes. The 47mm and 51mm sizes (I chose the 47mm for a better fit) feel robust yet comfortable, with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens that shrug off scratches—perfect for rugged environments. Compared to the Apple Watch’s sleek, rectangular design, the Fenix 8’s round, rugged aesthetic feels more purpose-built for adventure. The five-button interface, combined with a responsive touchscreen, is intuitive, though the inductive buttons (designed for leak-proof diving) lack the tactile click of older models. The QuickFit silicone strap is comfortable, but upgrading to Garmin’s UltraFit nylon strap reduced irritation during long wears. Why I’m Never Going Back Switching to the Fenix 8 Solar MIP has been a revelation. The freedom of not charging daily, combined with unparalleled sports tracking, navigation, and durability, makes it the ultimate tool for my active lifestyle. While I miss some of the Apple Watch’s smartwatch polish, the Fenix 8’s focus on performance and endurance is unmatched. If you’re an athlete or outdoor enthusiast who’s been tethered to the Apple Watch’s charger and limited fitness metrics, the Fenix 8 Solar MIP is worth every penny. I only wish I’d made the switch years ago. Verdict: The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar MIP is a powerhouse for serious athletes, offering weeks-long battery life, robust sports tracking, and superior navigation. While it lacks the Apple Watch’s smartwatch finesse, its rugged design and feature depth make it the best choice for those prioritizing performance over polish.
Customer review from Garmin
Making the invisible, visible
I continue to be amazed at the information this watch collects and presents back to me. I am grateful I did not delay my purchase because of the price although it certainly caused pause. I am still learning how to manage my sleep hygiene and workout routines but have already received helpful insights. I am 70 years old and paying much closer attention to my body's signals, and this watch definitely helps.
Customer review from Garmin
So many functions!
I'm still learning about what the watch is able to do; the list seems endless. I had been wearing a smart watch that needed to be charged every day. Now I can go two weeks without charging, and longer than that with solar if I pay attention to what I need and don't need. I was skeptical at first about all the health tracking, but the watch has me convinced. I wear it almost 24/7, so I'm learning a lot about my sleep patterns, energy levels, and training readiness. Fantastic product and it looks cool, too!
Customer review from Garmin
Awesome watch
I went from the first I stinct solar to the Fenix 8 solar and I love it. Couldn't be happier. I just hope it proves to be as tough as the instinct.
Customer review from Garmin
I do like the watch and features but
The watch it self is quite easy to navigate, I definitely still need to learn some things. But I wish the app was nicer and easier to navigate. I find my self getting confused. I also Don't like the app store for the watch is on a separate app. I have used other watches and this is my first Garmin. I definitely like the other apps more.
Customer review from Garmin