Garmin Fenix 8 is now available, and top reviewers DC Rainmaker (Ray) and Des Fit have provided in-depth analysis and first impressions of the new devices. Both reviewers agreed that the high starting price tag of these devices is a limiting factor. Here are some key takeaways from their reviews:

DC Rainmaker’s Review Highlights

• Redesigned UI: The user interface (UI) has been completely revamped, with Garmin focusing on making the interface more efficient based on typical use cases. The goal is to create a unified UI across all Garmin devices, a task that has been challenging for the brand in the past.
• Leak-Proof Buttons: Garmin has introduced leak-proof buttons on the Fenix 8 series, using an inductive sensor instead of physical push buttons. This design makes the watch more waterproof, although the feel of the button click is different. Ray mentioned that this is not necessarily bad or good, and that it just takes some getting used to.
• Voice Notes: While the Fenix 8 allows users to take voice notes during activities, these notes are not easily accessible from your phone currently. Garmin has indicated that they are working on improving this functionality. Beyond the voice notes, Ray suggests, the microphone and speaker are of little benefit to him.
• Solar Improvement: Ray details how the solar panels on the watches no longer cover the full screen, improving screen visibility, and the solar ring around the screen is now black instead of a red tint, which blends in better with the bezel.
• Enduro 3 Battery Life: DC Rainmaker briefly touched on the Enduro 3. One of the standout features Ray mentioned was the battery life, which can reportedly last over 300 hours with GPS (no other satellites activated) active when using Solar.
• Pricing: DC Rainmaker expressed concerns about the high starting price of the Fenix 8 series, noting that while the watch offers some strong new features, the price point may be a barrier.

Des Fit’s Review Highlights

• UI and Functionality: Des Fit was impressed by the new UI, noting that it has been designed to be more intuitive and efficient. However, it is likely the UI may be exclusive to the Fenix 8, Enduro, and future watch models.
• Microphone and Speaker: Des Fit sees more potential in the built-in microphone and speaker than DC Rainmaker, particularly for setting alarms and toggling in and out of sleep mode. DesFit, like DC Rainmaker, appreciates the ability to take voice notes during activities but also acknowledged that these notes are not easily accessible from your phone currently.
• Button Feedback: While Des Fit appreciated the technology behind the leak-proof buttons, he mentioned a preference for the tactile feedback of the previous generation’s physical buttons.
• Fenix E Analysis: Des Fit points out that the Fenix E is essentially the original Epix Gen 2 with a new UI, lacking all of the new features of the Fenix 8 series.
• Heart Rate & GPS Measurements: Des Fit reported no major differences in heart rate and GPS measurements compared to the previous generation Epix Gen 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, which is expected since the same sensors are onboard.
• Pricing: Des Fit summarized that you’re essentially paying $100-$200 more for the added dive functionality, a microphone and speaker, and a new user interface. Given the expected discounts on the older models, Des Fit believes it might not be worth spending the extra amount unless those features are particularly important to you, as the Epix Gen 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro are already highly capable watches.

Final Thoughts

Both reviewers agree that the Garmin Fenix 8 series is a great device, but they express concerns about the high pricing, especially over previous generations. The revamped UI is a major step forward, aiming for a more unified experience across Garmin devices, but it is unlikely that the UI will be available on older models. The Fenix E, while a more affordable option, appears to be more of a rebranded Epix Gen 2 with a new UI. They also both addressed the lack of a 43mm Solar model, which Garmin indicated was a technology limitation for the small case.

Both reviewers will post more in-depth review videos and dedicated Enduro 3 and Fenix E videos soon. Check out the full reviews from DC Rainmaker and Des Fit for a deeper dive into the new Garmin Fenix 8 series.