Garmin has unveiled the new Fenix 8 range – but killed off the much-loved Epix range.
Garmin has shaken up the Fenix range, adding AMOLED screen tech, and with it, essentially killing off the Epix 3. But anyone waiting to see how the Fenix 8 and Epix line-up shaped up now has all the information they need.
If you’re in the market for an elite outdoor watch from Garmin, options from both the Fenix 8 and Epix (Gen 2) ranges should be on your shortlist.
The brand has consolidated things considerably with the Fenix 8. It’s effectively killed off the Epix line by offering its key selling point – the AMOLED display – as part of the Fenix range.
That means there’s no Epix 3 – and very little chance of it getting released in the foreseeable future.
But it’s still a formidable watch series. The Epix Pro (Gen 2) released in 2023, with its Elevate 5 heart rate sensor and built-in flashlight, still compares favorably to the Fenix 8.
Essential reading: Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 – what’s changed?
Note: We’re currently putting the Fenix 8 to the test ahead of a full review, and will update this comparison with first-hand, in-depth analysis over the coming weeks.
Read our full Garmin Fenix 8 review here.
What happened to the Epix 3?
The Garmin Epix and Epix Pro were essentially a Fenix with an AMOLED display – so now that technology has trickled down to the Fenix 8, it’s left the Epix series redundant.
That means there’s no launch for the Epix 3, which is effectively retired. But the older Epix lineup are still excellent watches, and it will be interesting to see how they’re priced. If they get substantial deals, they would be excellent pickups.
Fenix 8 vs Epix: Pricing
As we’ll discuss below, the frankly absurd amount of versions in these lineups ensures that cross-comparing pricing is a difficult task.
Things have become especially complicated now that Garmin has introduced AMOLED models into the Fenix 8 range. So, what can we glean?
The MIP models of the Fenix 8 are the cheapest in the range – sitting at $999.99 – and are right in line with most versions of the Epix Pro. However, depending on size and upgrades on the Epix Pro, it can still jump to $1,099 (in line with the 47mm sapphire models). That’s $100 shy of the 51mm sapphire Fenix 8 models, which retail for $1,199.
Meanwhile, the standard version of the Epix (Gen 2) is still available for as little as $799 – which makes sense, given its similarity to the all-new Fenix E, also at $799.
Revealed: Garmin Fenix E – all you need to know
Versions
Fenix 8 options:
- Fenix 8S 43mm AMOLED
- Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED / MIP+SOLAR
- Fenix 8 51mm AMOLED / MIP+SOLAR
*Each of these options also has Sapphire options with extra screen toughness.
Garmin Epix options:
- Epix (2nd Gen) (AMOLED)
- Epix Pro (AMOLED + Elevate 5)
The Fenix line has always comprised many versions, whether for different SKUs of case sizes, bezel material, display glass, or GNSS type. For the Fenix 8, another variable has been thrown into the mix, with Garmin now offering the choice between an AMOLED or solar charging (MIP display) model.
With Garmin adding AMOLED displays to the Fenix 8 series (available in 43mm – changed from 42mm in the previous generations – 47mm and 51mm), this is essentially the next iteration of the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) – 42mm, 47mm, 51mm. There is only one size option for the older Epix (Gen 2), 47mm.
However, those who favor a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display are still catered for in the Fenix 8 range. Model variations exist for a 47mm and 51mm edition – though, to be clear, there is no third edition this time. For a smaller Solar/MIP model, you’ll have to look at the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro range.
So, to summarize: if you consider the case size/display type, there are five models of Fenix 8, three for the Epix Pro and one for the Epix, with things then split by titanium/stainless steel case, the upgrade of sapphire crystal display glass, and, of course, case colors and band differences.
There are 10(!) different variants of the Epix Pro in total, so you’re forgiven for taking a while to get to grips with the lineups.
Fenix 8 vs Epix: Design and smart features
Aside from the slight changes to case sizes detailed above, you would be hard-pressed to decipher the differences between these ranges at a glance.
Garmin has added a couple of significant upgrades to the design for Fenix 8, however. There’s now a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling phone-free commands (like timers, shortcuts, and easy navigation), while all buttons are now leak-proof and the case is rated to dive-proof to 40m. There’s a sensor guard included, too.
The Epix Pro isn’t quite as durable or smart, though it does still possess what we consider much more essential design features: the latest, most accurate version of Garmin’s Elevate optical sensor, the potential for Multi-Band (dual-frequency) GNSS, and the built-in flashlight. These three things aren’t on the standard non-Pro version, the Epix (Gen 2), though you can confusingly get the upgraded GNSS by picking the Sapphire version.
The overall design language and core styles are incredibly similar, though, as we say. Whichever you pick, you’re receiving a 10 ATM water resistance rating, the potential upgrade to a very scratch-resistant display glass, and a smart experience that includes support for offline music playback (from the likes of Spotify), access to the Garmin Connect IQ store, and mirrored notifications.
Fenix 8 vs Epix: Activity and health tracking
The breadth of the tracking experience offered in each edition of these watch lines is immense, meaning it’s virtually impossible to summarize it all in just one section. Whichever you choose, you’re getting gold-standard activity tracking accuracy, in-depth feedback on the watch and in Garmin Connect, and more sports profiles than you’ll know what to do with.
With the Garmin Fenix 8 also being a relatively iterative update, its exclusives are minimal in the tracking department. The mapping has also been upgraded to include terrain contours on the TopoActive mapping, while route guidance will dynamically update throughout a route. That improved, leak-proof design now opens it up for scuba and apnea tracking, too.
There are now also guided strength training plans tailored for different disciplines – including trail running and skiing – while premium features debuted on the Epix Pro – like Endurance Score and Hill Score – are also available, as you would expect.
These are the key upgrades Garmin’s given the Fenix 8 from the Epix Pro, though it’s also possible the software additions come to the latter over the coming year.
Interestingly, while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend upgrading from the Epix Pro to the Fenix 8 for any of the above, we think it’s slightly more enticing for Epix users given the hardware differences. Not only do the hardware differences have a decent impact on activity tracking, but the Epix also doesn’t have the necessary design (like the Fenix 8 /Epix Pro) for Garmin’s ECG feature.
Now, the health tracking on Garmin still has a fairly small scope – with major features like sleep tracking and HRV Status still very much geared around your training – but it’s a consideration nonetheless.
Battery life
| Battery life | GPS battery life | |
| Garmin Epix Pro (42mm) | Up to 10 days | Up to 28 hours |
| Garmin Epix Pro (47mm) | Up to 16 days | Up to 42 hours |
| Garmin Epix Pro (51mm) | Up to 29 days | Up to 82 hours |
| Garmin Epix (47mm) | Up to 16 days | Up to 42 hours |
| Garmin Fenix 8 (47mm, Solar) | Up to 29 days | Up to 57 hours/**73 hours with solar |
| Garmin Fenix 8 (51mm, Solar) | Up to 48 days | Up to 89 hours/122 hours with solar** |
| Garmin Fenix 8 (43mm, AMOLED) | Up to 10 days | Up to 28 hours |
| Garmin Fenix 8 (47mm, AMOLED) | Up to 16 days | Up to 42 hours |
| Garmin Fenix 8 (51mm, AMOLED) | Up to 29 days | Up to 82 hours |
**Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions
We’ll conduct a more thorough battery comparison once we’ve had a couple of Fenix 8 models in for testing, but we’re not expecting any major differences in this area.
Garmin hasn’t updated the estimations between generations, and it’s usually pretty dead-on with what it quotes.
As ever, you’ll get the most battery life out of the Solar/MIP models, while the bigger case size will also equate to longer battery life in every aspect – always-on time, smartwatch mode, and tracking (no matter which GPS mode you have enabled, and whether you have music playing or not).
Fenix 8 vs Epix: Which is best?
With the Fenix 8 still being put through our rigorous testing process, we’re not yet ready to crown a winner here.
However, we will say that the differences between the Epix Pro and Fenix 8 appear relatively minor on paper – and we think only those who crave a speaker/microphone or dive-rated durability will feel the difference. Though, admittedly, this does assume software upgrades like strength programs and improved mapping roll to the Epix Pro in a software update.
With regard to the Epix, the gap is beginning to open – though, along with the Fenix E, it remains a viable budget pick for those considering a premium outdoor watch from Garmin.
Stay tuned for our full verdict and comparison in the coming few weeks.
