The Fenix 8 is now official – and it's a huge upgrade from the Fenix 7.
The arrival of the Fenix 8 is another hugely exciting wearable release in 2024 – but it’s fair to question exactly what Garmin has changed from the Fenix 7 range.
Released in 2022, the Fenix 7 is still an outstanding watch for outdoor adventurers and those serious about tracking their fitness. With notable upgrades in the sensor accuracy and the addition of a built-in flashlight, the Fenix 7 Pro (released in 2023) is also a top watch to consider.
Yet, the allure of a new Fenix is hard to escape – and Garmin has made some serious changes for this latest generation. We’re still putting the Fenix 8 through its paces ahead of a comprehensive review – so stay tuned for our full buying recommendations and comparison between these two generations in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, we’ve established the eight biggest differences between the two lineups to help you make sense of it all.
Update: We have updated this article with all-new hands-on photography of the Fenix 8 from our testing.
1. Fenix 8 vs 7: Price
It’s not a surprise, of course, that the Fenix 8 range is more expensive than the Fenix 7 models – but this is slightly confused by the fact the display types have also changed between generations.
This makes comparing across the lines a little more difficult – and it’s difficult enough, given each generation generally has double-digit model variations.
What we do know, though, is that Garmin has set the starting RRP of the Fenix 8 series at a pretty eye-popping $999, with that jumping to $1,099 for the 43mm/47mm sapphire models and $1,199 for the sapphire editions of the 51mm model.
The Fenix 7 is available for as little as $649/£519, though the Pro models are currently sitting around $799-$899/£739-£839. You can check the latest prices below and check out our best Garmin Fenix deals tracker.
2. Choosing between AMOLED and MIP
The biggest change for the latest Fenix generation is undoubtedly Garmin’s overhaul of the display options – one that’s seen the demise of the Epix range.
If you want an AMOLED version of the Fenix 7/Fenix 7 Pro, you’ll have to consider the Epix (Gen 2) or Epix Pro (Gen 2). Save for some minor quirks and the displays – explained in this Garmin Fenix 7 Pro vs. Epix Pro (Gen 2) guide – these are the same watches.
However, for the Fenix 8, you no longer choose between Fenix and Epix. The Epix has been ditched and is effectively now part of the family – and not at the expense of the classic memory-in-pixel models.
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If you’re more in favor of the old-school technology, Garmin has retained the MIP design present on the Fenix 7/Fenix 7 Pro – and, as with the latter release, the solar charging feature still comes as standard (on the 47mm and 51mm models, more on this below).
So, to summarize: there are now five standard Fenix 8 watches to pick from instead of the usual three. Three sizes of Fenix 8 AMOLED and two sizes of Fenix 8 Solar (MIP).
Got all that? Good, because Garmin has thrown in another curveball…
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3. The Fenix ‘S’ models
Since the launch of the Garmin Fenix 5 series, fans have had their pick of 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm case sizes – with the smaller and larger versions denoted by their ‘S’ and ‘X’ tags.
So, for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro lines, that’s your choice of sizes.
For the Fenix 8, Garmin has quietly bumped up the size of the smallest model to 43mm – and it’s now only available if you pick the AMOLED model. The Solar edition/MIP model starts at 47mm.
We’re waiting on the exact dimensions of this model to see just how much it’s been enlarged (and whether it makes any difference to the feel on the wrist).
We should also note that this could provide a nice boost to battery life, too – but again, we’ll wait to see what Garmin estimates for battery life and update this section.
4. Durability specs
The Fenix range has always boasted a ruggedized look with specs to match. The 10 ATM water resistance rating, titanium case, and option of a sapphire crystal glass display have meant we’ve never experienced any significant bumps, scrapes, or scratches during long-term testing of the Fenix 7 Pro.
Yet, Garmin has bumped things up slightly for the Fenix 8. Each model now features leakproof metal buttons as standard, as well as a new guard (this now encompasses more of the case’s right edge, rather than around the ‘Start/Stop’ button on the Fenix 7 series).
This won’t be a dealbreaker for most, we don’t suspect, but it is a worthy reason to upgrade if you’re planning on routinely using your Fenix in outdoor water conditions like diving.
5. Operating system skins
One of our great wishes for the Fenix 8 range was that Garmin would switch from its ‘outdoor’ operating system to that seen in the AMOLED Forerunner range, like the Forerunner 965.
That appears to have been granted, with Garmin citing ‘improved graphics’ for the latest models that match what we’ve seen in its modern running watches.
We don’t have anything against the Fenix 7/Fenix 7 Pro’s (and Epix Gen 2) skin, but graphics like Morning Report and the list of glances are much more basic and don’t pop in quite the same way as they do on the Fenix 8.
It’s a superficial difference, but, from our experience over the last year using both skins, we’d grade it as one of the biggest differentiators in daily use with these devices. It’s not a change slated to roll back in a software update to the Fenix 7 series, either, from what we’ve heard from Garmin.
6. Strength training and mapping
Garmin typically throws in the odd exclusive software cherry for each new generation. For the Fenix 7 Pro, the last update, we saw Endurance Score and Hill Score debut before rolling back to other premium Garmin watches.
For the Fenix 8, this has taken the form of guided strength programs and improved mapping. The former comprises 4-6-week, personalized follow-along workouts designed to help athletes like trail runners, surfers and others to meet their goals.
The mapping changes, meanwhile, are largely down to that new skin. Garmin says the ‘new’ interface allows users to view terrain contours on the TopoActive maps, customize map layers, and enjoy easier round-trip routing, while suggested routes also feature.
Currently, it’s unclear whether these features will roll back to the Fenix 7 series (and, if so, when), but we’ve asked Garmin for more clarification on this one.
7. Communication and voice commands
On the Fenix 7 series, there’s surprisingly no room for a built-in speaker or microphone, meaning you have to pair headphones if you want read-outs regarding guided workouts, lap times, or any other manner of update.
It’s an omission that’s never particularly bothered us, but, either way, it’s changed for the Fenix 8. As standard, each model comes with a speaker and microphone – and this not only enables feedback regarding workouts but opens up voice commands, too.
No matter which model you choose, setting timers, starting workouts, and plenty else is now possible. And you won’t have to have your phone connected for this to work, which is a real boon.
We’re keen to see what impact this has during testing. As we say, we’ve never found ourselves pining for speaker functionality (largely due to always pairing headphones for workouts), but the novel inclusion of smart commands could prove handy (and ups the line’s otherwise paltry smarts).
8. Solar charging
Garmin notes that the Fenix 8 solar edition is much more capable of harnessing the sun’s energy, too, with the 51mm Fenix 8 improving by 50%.
When we tested the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar 47mm (and other variations with the feature, like the Forerunner 955 Solar), we weren’t overly sold on it being a killer addition.
By and large, that solar panel will have to spend a lot of time in direct sunlight – we’re talking 10+ hours – to notice any meaningful impact on battery life.
We’re intrigued to see whether this turns out to be a big reason to favor the Fenix 8 over the Fenix 7, so stay tuned for our full thoughts on that.
Also, note that this feature isn’t offered for the 43mm Fenix 8. If you want a smaller Fenix with solar support, your choice is between the Fenix 7S and 7S Pro models.
