Garmin Fenix 8 Watch: In-Depth Review and Is It Better than The Apple Watch
The Garmin Fenix 8 is basically an expensive gimmick to sell rebranded Epics.
Garmin has already launched Fenix Pro models that were worthy additions to the series. Under different circumstances, the hardware upgrade that the Garmin Fenix 8 offers might not be enough to win the Pro title this time around.
The all-new and less expensive Fenix 8 series, which relies on older technology, is part of Garmin's rebranding and repositioning narrative. We encourage you to compare the features and price of the Fenix 8 and the Apple Watches, although many would believe that both are very expensive.
While many of the latest software updates aren't nearly as noticeable, let's look ahead and highlight the new, exclusive hardware additions with their expansive feature sets. However, Garmin's biggest is the Fenix 8. Let’s discuss more about Garmin and Apple Watches. Which one is better to buy?
The Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £869.99/$999.99 for the 43mm AMOLED screen variant. Depending on the size of the smartwatch you choose and whether you want an AMOLED or solar charging display, the price goes up. The most expensive model is the 51mm sized solar model, priced at £1039.99/$1199.99.
Unlike the Garmin Fenix 8, the Apple Watch has a suggested retail price of £799/$799 and is only available in one 49mm size.
As mentioned earlier, there are two display options available for the Fenix 8 series. There are two types of screens available: the solar screen, which comes in only two sizes (47 and 51 mm), and the AMOLED screen, which is available in three sizes (43, 47, and 51 mm).
The Solar option is an always-on display with a solar-charging lens that lets you extend your battery life when you're out and about, while the AMOLED claims to be a stunning screen with better graphics than its predecessor. While both have remarkable battery life, the solar option can last up to 48 days while the AMOLED can last up to 29 days.
Since the Apple Watch lacks a solar charging feature, it must be charged wirelessly or with wall power. However, it has an always-on retina display with a maximum brightness of 3000 nits.
This could be the main aspect that separates the two smartwatches from each other. The Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone XS or iOS 17 or later models, however the Garmin Fenix 8 series works with both iPhones and Android devices.
Most of your favorite Apple products, like the Apple Watch, will automatically sync with all your devices if you're already part of the Apple ecosystem. This feature is Find My Connectivity, which lets you access lost Apple devices, Siri, and the App Store. Additionally, you can use your Watch Ultra 2 to sync and access your most frequently used iOS apps, such as Calendar, Mail and Weather.
In addition, the Fenix 8 lets you download watch faces, apps, and widgets to your smartwatch through Connect IQ, Garmin's own app store. Users of the Fenix 8 can check the weather and access their calendar, just like those using the Apple Watch. They will also get the morning report.
Like Google's Morning Brief, Morning Report summarizes your sleep quality and gives you a readiness score—a function the Apple Watch lacks.
The Fenix 8 series and Apple Watch are definitely smartwatches, and both offer a plethora of activity profiles and workouts that users can engage in and track their progress and key metrics while doing so.
The Apple Watch is rated for 100 meters under ISO standard 22810, while the Fenix 8 series is rated for 10 ATM water resistance. This means you can track your metrics while having fun with the wearable, both while swimming and even while scuba diving.
Apple Watch has a depth gauge and other features needed by free divers and scuba divers to go down to a depth of 40 meters. It even carries the internationally recognized EN13319 certification, which is a must for diving gear. Additionally, 40-meter dive rated, the Fenix 8 Series has features for both scuba and apnea diving.
With the double-tap gesture on the Apple Watch, users can use their smartwatch without touching the screen. All they have to do is tap the thumb and index finger of the hand they are wearing together.
You can use the double-tap gesture to take photos, answer calls, adjust music and end timers, among other shortcuts. The Apple Watch’s Neural Engine, which gathers information from multiple on-device sensors to determine when movement occurs, makes this possible.
The solar variant provides extra days of use, but the Fenix 8 series still has amazing battery life. According to Garmin, the 51mm Solar variant with always-on display can last up to 48 days on a single charge, while the 51mm AMOLED model can last up to 29 days when used as a wristwatch.
Compared to the Garmin, the Apple Watch is inferior in this regard. In normal use, the smartwatch can last up to 36 hours. In low power mode, it can last up to 72 hours.
Even with my misgivings regarding the Phoenix 8 upgrade, this watch still has a lot more functionality than the Apple Watch. Both are not on the same level. Fenix is the obvious choice if you're a serious explorer who needs accurate navigation and support from your technology.
But the majority of you will be weekend warriors or occasional explorers who hardly ever venture off the beaten path. If you fit that description, the Watch may be the right choice for you, thanks to better iPhone integration, LTE capability, and satellite connectivity in later models. Compared to the Garmin, the Apple Watch offers more advanced smart features than just texting and calling.
If you want an uncomplicated life, we wholeheartedly recommend considering a Garmin watch. Among other things, we alternate between the two brands all year, so having a watch that lasts a few weeks instead of days between charges is a huge plus.
Tired of routine billing? The Apple Watch series has many great features. Its fitness capabilities were significantly improved in 2022, and third-party apps let you expand its
capabilities even further. We also appreciate its statistical accuracy.
However, Garmin maintains an edge over rival equipment because of its built-in ability to broadcast heart rate data and manage multiple smart bike turbo trainers.
Alex Parker is a seasoned technology writer with over a decade of experience in the tech industry. With a background in computer science and a passion for innovation, Alex specializes in breaking down complex technological concepts into accessible, engaging content.
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