As the Garmin Fenix 8 series draws near, there are still several details about the launch that remain unclear. While many leaks and official hints have given us a glimpse of what to expect, some significant questions are still unanswered. Here’s a roundup of what we’re still waiting to learn:
- Size Options for the Fenix E
- We know the Fenix 8 will come in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes and that the Enduro 3 is likely to only come in 51mm (as does the Enduro 2), but it’s still uncertain if the more affordable Fenix E will only be available in 47mm or if it will also offer the same size range as the Fenix 7 Pro (42mm, 47mm, and 51mm).
- Screen Type Variations
- While the Fenix 8 is
- Screen Size
- Leaked images suggest that the Fenix 8 may feature slimmer bezels and larger screens compared to previous models. However, there’s no official confirmation on the exact screen sizes beyond the watch face dimensions. The Fenix E, on the other hand, appears to resemble prior Fenix/Epix models closely and is likely to retain a similar design format.
- Battery Life Improvements
- It’s clear that the Enduro 3 will have the longest battery life due to its larger size and MIP screen, but it remains to be seen if there will be any overall battery life improvements across the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro models. There is certainly room for improvement, as the Forerunner 965 which also has an AMOLED screen has better battery life than many of the Epix (Gen 2) models.
- Solar Capabilities for AMOLED Models
- It’s assumed that any MIP variations of the Fenix 8 or Fenix E would feature solar capability or at least offer a solar option. However, whether the AMOLED versions will include solar technology is still up in the air. Garmin has a patent from 2022 that discusses integrating photovoltaic cells into AMOLED subpixels, potentially allowing for solar capabilities without obstructing display visibility or functionality, but whether this will be implemented remains a mystery.
- New Software Features
- Garmin has a history of launching new software features with new devices and later rolling them out to older models. With the Fenix 8 launch, we can expect some new software functionalities, but exactly what those will be is unknown. Features like Hill Score and Endurance Score were announced with the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix (Gen 2) Pro, and Nap Detection was launched with the Venu 3. These features have since trickled down to most other recent models. We’re curious to see what new software capabilities the Fenix 8 series will bring.
- Pricing Details
- Leaked pricing information has shown the Fenix 8 is expected to be priced at €1,099 for the 47mm model and €1,199 for the 51mm model (similar in USD). However, there’s no official pricing information for the Fenix E or the Enduro 3. We do expect the Enduro 3 to be on the high end of the price range and The Fenix E to be more budget-friendly.
- Enduro 3 Improvements
- It does not appear that the Enduro 3 will adopt the leaked features we know about in the Fenix 8, such as the diving capabilities or a built-in microphone. It remains to be seen what other features will be introduced compared to the Enduro 2. It’s possible that the Enduro 3’s battery life could continue to improve, potentially offering the best battery life of any fitness watch on the market.
As the launch date approaches, we will soon get answers to these lingering questions. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor any new developments and prepare for the official unveiling of the Garmin Fenix 8 series.
