## Garmin Fenix 8 Review: Is This Rugged Watch Worth the Hefty Price Tag?
Smartwatches have always prioritized sleekness and style over one crucial aspect: battery life. While the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Google dominate the slim and stylish smartwatch market, a new breed of thicker watches promises weeks-long battery life. Enter the Garmin Fenix 8, a watch that sits somewhere between a traditional smartwatch and a hybrid, offering the best of both worlds – but at a hefty price.
Built for Adventure, Not Your Pocket:
The Fenix 8 is built for the outdoors enthusiast. This watch isn’t afraid of a scratch or a splash – it’s practically built to survive a trip to the bottom of the ocean. The design is rugged and bold, with military-grade shock, thermal, and water resistance up to 100 meters. Unlike its sleek competitors, the Fenix 8 prioritizes durability over finesse, weighing in at a substantial 80 grams for the stainless steel model. While this added weight is necessary for its ruggedness and long battery life, it can feel bulky on the wrist.
Bright Display and a Feature-Rich Experience:
The Fenix 8 comes with two display options: the vibrant AMOLED display (which I tested) and the less-reflective MIP-based display with solar charging. The AMOLED display is stunning, making navigation and viewing information a breeze, even in bright sunlight. However, the solar charging option offers extended battery life, which might appeal to those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
A Sports Enthusiast’s Dream:
The Fenix 8 is loaded with features specifically tailored for sports enthusiasts. From skiing and diving to hiking and golfing, this watch tracks your every move with impressive accuracy. The dedicated workout profiles offer a comprehensive view of your performance, and the ECG-enabled heart rate monitor tracks your heart health 24/7. However, the interface for accessing this data can feel clunky and require multiple taps, making it difficult to truly understand your health insights.
Shortcomings in Smartwatch Functionality:
While the Fenix 8 excels in its sports-centric features, it falls short when it comes to everyday smartwatch functionality. The lack of cellular connectivity is a significant drawback, requiring you to keep your phone close by for anything beyond basic voice commands. While the navigation buttons are a welcome addition, the interface can feel slow and cumbersome compared to other smartwatches, and notifications are often limited in their information.
Battery Life: The Fenix 8’s Triumph:
Despite its shortcomings, the Fenix 8 truly shines in its battery life. You’ll get up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with the always-on display (AOD) enabled, and up to 23 days in battery saver mode. This is a significant advantage over other smartwatches and a testament to Garmin’s commitment to long-lasting power. The battery life does vary depending on the size of the watch you choose, with the larger 51mm model offering even greater battery life.
A Price Tag That Might Make You Sweat:
The Fenix 8 comes with a hefty price tag of $1,000 for the basic model. While this price might be justified for dedicated athletes who utilize its full potential, it’s hard to recommend for the average user considering the limited smartwatch functionality and the availability of comparable, more affordable options from Garmin themselves.
Should You Buy the Garmin Fenix 8?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a powerhouse of a smartwatch, offering impressive battery life and an extensive suite of sports features. However, its high price tag and somewhat average smartwatch experience make it a tough sell for most users. If you’re a hardcore fitness enthusiast who needs a watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle and boasts long battery life, then the Fenix 8 might be worth considering. But for everyone else, there are more affordable and versatile options available in the market. Ultimately, the Fenix 8 is a watch for those who prioritize sports and endurance above all else, even if it means sacrificing some of the convenience and features of a traditional smartwatch.
