Garmin Fenix 8 Review: The Adventure-Ready Smartwatch with a Few Quirks

I got my hands on the Garmin Fenix 8, a multisport GPS smartwatch that's specifically designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Right off the bat, it's clear that this watch is geared towards those who love a challenge and the great outdoors. But does it live up to the hype?

Over the past two weeks, I've been putting it through its paces, testing its features across various sports and outdoor activities. From the get-go, the Fenix 8 feels like a robust piece of gear, and Garmin promises a lot with this model, including a long-lasting battery, dive rating, and even a built-in flashlight.

In this review, I'll break down my experience with the watch, focusing on key aspects like design, performance, and battery life. I'll also share my personal take on whether it's worth the hefty price tag.

Let's dive into the specifics and see if the Fenix 8 stands out in the crowded market of multisport smartwatches.

When it comes to design, the Garmin Fenix 8 doesn't stray far from the rugged look typical of the Fenix series. It's a big watch, no doubt about it, with a 47mm face that might not suit those with smaller wrists. However, the size also means you're getting a generous 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight.

The watch is encased in carbon gray DLC titanium, giving it a sturdy yet lightweight feel. At 80 grams, it's not the lightest out there, but it still doesn't feel burdensome during intense workouts or long hikes. The sapphire lens is a nice touch, providing scratch resistance, which is crucial for outdoor use.

One of the standout features is the built-in LED flashlight. It's surprisingly bright and definitely comes in handy during evening runs or hikes. The flashlight is a feature I found myself using more than expected, showing Garmin's attention to practical design elements.

Overall, the design speaks to the watch's intended audience: those who need durability and practicality over sleek aesthetics. It's not a fashion statement, but it doesn't need to be. It's built to withstand the elements, and it does so quite well.

Battery life is a critical aspect of any smartwatch, and the Fenix 8 promises up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 47 hours in GPS mode. During my testing, these numbers held up pretty well. In smartwatch mode, I easily got through two weeks of moderate use before needing a charge, which included daily workouts and GPS tracking a few times a week.

The battery drain is more noticeable during continuous GPS use, which is expected. However, even with frequent GPS activity, the battery life is impressive compared to many other watches in the same category. It's definitely a feature that sets the Fenix 8 apart if you're someone who spends long stretches outdoors without access to a charger.

Charging the watch is straightforward, thanks to the included USB cable. It also supports wireless charging, which is a nice convenience, although not something I used frequently. In practice, the battery life lives up to its claims, making it a reliable choice for long adventures.

If you're planning a multi-day trek or a long diving trip, the battery performance should keep you covered. Just make sure to pack a portable charger if you're really pushing the limits.

Comfort can make or break a smartwatch, especially if you plan to wear it all day. The Fenix 8 features a pebble gray band, which is comfortable, but the watch's overall size might be a sticking point for some. On my wrist, it felt secure, but I did notice the weight during longer workouts.

The band is adjustable and made from a durable material that doesn't cause irritation, even when worn for extended periods. However, if you have a smaller wrist, the 47mm face can feel a bit overwhelming, and it might take some time to get used to the bulk.

Despite the size, the watch doesn't slide around, which is a big plus during intense physical activities. The overall build ensures it stays put, whether you're running, hiking, or diving.

In terms of comfort, the Fenix 8 scores well, but it's not perfect. If you're new to larger watches, give yourself some time to adjust. For those who are used to the heft, it's pretty comfortable for everyday wear and during workouts.

The Garmin Fenix 8 is loaded with features aimed at serious athletes and adventurers. It has everything from built-in GPS with SatIQ technology to a range of health monitoring tools like heart rate, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox. While the latter isn't available everywhere, when it works, it's a useful feature for monitoring your oxygen levels.

In terms of GPS accuracy, I found it to be pretty solid. It locked onto satellites quickly and maintained a strong signal throughout my runs and hikes. The TopoActive maps are a great addition for off-the-grid adventures, providing detailed terrain info that can be a lifesaver in unfamiliar areas.

The watch also offers a variety of sport-specific workouts and targeted strength training plans. These are great if you're looking to improve your fitness level, but I did notice that a few options felt more like a gimmick. For instance, the real-time stamina tracking is interesting, but its accuracy can be hit or miss depending on how frequently you train.

Overall, the Fenix 8's performance is robust and reliable, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. However, some features feel more polished than others, which is something to consider if you're looking for specific functionality.