Garmin Fenix 8 51mm AMOLED Watch Review
The new Garmin Fenix 8 watch is the latest addition to Garmin’s flagship series, and it comes with several upgrades and new features that make it a top contender in the world of multisport smart watches. The series includes a range of different model types to suit many different requirements and use. Case sizes of 43mm, 47mm or 51mm, AMOLED display or MIP display, Solar charging or even an E model.
Recently I’ve been testing out the 51mm with AMOLED touchscreen. I’ve been using the Fenix 6 Pro since that model came out, so switching to this Fenix 8 model, the design and functionality upgrades really stand out for me.
The only time I have taken the watch off is to charge it, which has probably been about every 10-12 days on average. And I have used it for every training session, running session and race, so safe to say it has been through some testing.
Here’s my detailed review at what makes this watch stand out for me:
Design and Build Quality
The Fenix 8 51mm with AMOLED display features a rugged design, just like previous models, but still stylish. Some people aren’t a fan of the orange strap it comes with when purchased but it has grown on me. You can however change it out for a different colour or different style of strap altogether.
The watch has a titanium bezel and a steel case back. These features give the Fenix 8 an expensive look and premium feel to it.
It’s available in three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm, with the 51mm version I’ve been testing weighing in at around 80 grams.
It has 40 meters dive rating and leakproof metal buttons. The sapphire screen and titanium bezel protects the watch from scratches, drops, and knocks making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
Display
One standout feature for me is the 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 454×454 pixels. This is a big upgrade from the Fenix 6 model which had the MIP display.
The AMOLED display gives vibrant colours and sharp images, making it easy to read in all levels of light, even in bright sunlight.
The screen is protected by a sapphire crystal makeup, ensuring durability for all sports.
The Always-On Display function is a handy feature for quickly glancing at your watch without having to wake it up. But not one that I use, a slight movement of wrist to look at the watch face will wake it up instantly.
Performance and Features
I’ve found that the Fenix 8 51mm is packed with features that cater to both casual users and serious athletes. It’s been my everyday watch for the past couple of months. At work, in the gym, at home or out on the trails.
With the SATIQ™ TECHNOLOGY the advanced GPS tracking feels more accurate than the Fenix 6. It has improved navigation features including. Multi-level topo maps, nextfork map guides and head-up feature.
It has a new heart rate sensor, the Garmin Elevate Gen 5. It feels accurate enough to rely upon for your HR based training sessions.
The watch also includes a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to take calls and use voice commands. A nice feature to answer phone calls without taking your phone out but a little on the quiet side.
The LED flashlight is a useful addition for running or hiking in low-light conditions or searching for something in the dark.
Battery Life
The battery life is a strong point of the Fenix 8 51mm. Even after using the watch for multiple training sessions, daily runs and a 25-hour backyard ultra race, the watch lasted for around 12 days before I charged it with 12% remaining.
Over the 25-hour period of the recent Backyard Ultra race I completed the watch only used 18% of battery life. I still had notifications from my phone turned on and even used the light for 10mins when my head torch died.
The official battery life stated from Garmin is around 21 days in Smart watch mode.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Fenix 8 51mm offers comprehensive fitness and health tracking capabilities. My favourites so far are the Morning Report – it gives me an overview of my sleep, my training outlook, my HRV status, the weather and more as soon as I wake up. Endurance Score – which uses your VO2 max, training loads and other factors, it helps gauge your ability to sustain prolonged effort. Training Readiness – which provides a readiness score based on sleep, recovery and load. Your Hill Score – Which measures your capability running uphill based on your VO2 Max and recent training.
Plus, many more functions to mention from previous models, such as; Training Status, Performance Metrics, Recovery Time, Body Battery, Sleep, Daily Workout Suggestion, Stress Tracking and Health Snapshot.
It includes a massive workout library, tracking metrics and data sets with the customisable data screens for a large range of various sports and activities. I like how I could customise the sports tracking sets to suit different types of activity. I set up a custom activity for my Backyard Ultra race, where you run 4.1-mile yards every hour, on the hour until one person remains. So, I didn’t want the 1km auto lap, I needed to time my 4.1 mile run and rest on each hour. The customisable options worked perfectly for what I wanted.
User Interface
The user interface of the Fenix 8 51mm is easy to navigate and very intuitive. The touchscreen is responsive, and the physical buttons are leak proof, with a dull vibration or click when pressed and provide access to key functions.
I found that the new buttons take some getting used to having been used to the Fenix 6 model, but once I got familiar with them, it adds to the premium feel of a quality product.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Improved HR monitoring from previous models
Advanced GPS, mapping and health tracking features
AMOLED touchscreen display
Built-in microphone, speaker and flashlight
Long battery life
Stylish, Premium, Rugged and durable design
Cons:
Expensive end of the Smart Watch market
Interface may take some getting used to if changing from another brand.
Conclusion
For me, the Garmin Fenix 8, 51mm AMOLED watch is a powerful and versatile multisport watch that caters for a wide range of activities. As an ultra-runner, its advanced features, durable design, and long battery life make it an excellent piece of tech to support my training and allows me to focus in on what I specifically need from recovery to load. It is the perfect Smart Watch for all outdoor enthusiasts, athletes or weekend warriors. While it comes with a high price tag which may put some people off, I feel the investment is justified by its robust performance and extensive capabilities.
Test and Review by Steven Williams