Fenix 8 is my first ever smartwatch and I absolutely love it. I know it's a marginal update over Epix 2 but the dive feature is big for me. Great tips video :) thanks
Another tip that SHOULD theoretically save some battery life if youre one of those people that enjoy keeping the map page on is use "north up" as opposed to "track up". This will just require the watch to redraw your location if you're stationary as opposed to spinning the map around. Probably wont save you much but on a mip display it should help a little
Having just received my enduro 3, this was very useful coming from a Fenix 6. The newer UI was similar enough but a bit confusing - cheers for the tips!
@@Mdogbrown in what sense? I am liking the touch screen functionality, especially on the map page - yet to use it “properly” but it is just overall a step up which I suppose you’d expect after 5 years or so
@@Mdogbrown no problem! The clarity seems similar to be honest - no solar panel on the 6 and the enduro 3 only has it round the edges. Backlight I can’t actually comment on - part of the reason for me upgrading is the light on my 6X has pretty much died! But the enduro 3 light is great and I like that I can turn it off just putting my palm over the screen. And the torch really is cool on the enduro haha
I’d love a side by side display comparison of the enduro 3 and fenix 8 in direct sun/indoors etc and how the new MIP display is compared to 7x. Always, thanks for another great video.
Whatever other people say, Amoled is better/more readable in any situation. MIP is really if you for some reason prefer the „mood“ of a mip or really need the battery life. But the Amoled Fenix 47 already gives you around 2 weeks which should be more then enough.
@@TheDarkmining Went swimming the other day wearing my girlfriends Vivoactive 5(amoled) and my Pace 3 (MIP). At times I really struggled to see the Vivoactive.
A little late to this reply but I upgraded from the 7X to the 8 solar and the screen clarity is night and day. Originally got the AMOLED but didn't realize how much I like to glance at my watch face without twisting my wrist (driving or at a desk etc). Returned it for the Solar and love it
Got the Fenix 8 51mm titanium dlc... love it but what people don't talk about : the built-in watch face use the smallest possible type face for datas so it is really hard to read if you are in your 40's. Come garmin not all your customer are 20 years old specially when the watch cost $1.2k.
AGREE! The Fenix 8 watch face data fonts are too small - an incremental increase in font size looks feasible without reconfiguring the entire watch face. The supplied watch faces with the new Fenix 8 are really poor. The Garmin watch faces on the Fenix 8 are so poor it makes me wonder about a company making a major release of a new product that does not have at least 5 superior watch faces for the outdoor enthusiast.
Off to pick mine up today, first Garmin smart watch so looking forward to the learning curve. You mentioned vo2max for walking so will go check how to do that as I am buying this for hiking and swimming mainly
It looks like the new Fenix 8 is faster responding to actions. The older Fenix’s seems to have a slight delay when pressing buttons to scroll down. Is anyone else noticing that? I can’t wait to purchase it!
On previous series watches, just ensure that 'notifications' is the last widget on your list, then just one touch of up button (from watch face) takes you straight to notifications.
Are built-in watch faces the same between Amoled, MIP and Enduro versions? Would love to see video just showing the different watch faces. Can you set the top right button to activate the phone assistant or this “gesture” is reserved only for the on-device/offline assistant?
Thanks for the good review. I really like the design of the Fenix 8 and the new solar panel. Is it worth upgrading from the Solar 7 Pro to the Fenix Solar 8 if I don't need the microphone and I don't diver? Will I get any extra perks on the 8?
Had a drain with the EASY round watchface that I bought. Was breaking my mind what caused it on my FR945 until I switched back to the standard watch face. Too bad because I really liked that watch face. Maybe I'll buy a Fenix 8 to see if they fixed it on that watch hahaha.
Mine Fenix 8 Amoled didn’t measure my sleep last night. I slept around 9 hours. UA-cam music still not available but on my Fenix 7 which I purchased January 2022 it is available.
Hi Des, very good material ! Thank you from Poland (Europe 🙂). I have one question , why there are so many scratches on the watches (Fenix 8) which you and Ray are testing recently? They are just for tests and nobody care? Or these models are so sensitive to scratches ?
What you prefer MIP or Amoled for Fenix 8 , you have Enduro 3 also . I am aware if I use away on Amoled screen burn pixels after some mounts or 1-2 years …..
Great and useful review! Question regarding durability - how much less durable do you think the “clear titanium” are than the DLC covered version? I really love the new look with the orange accents, however I am concerned as to how much more scratches I am going to get on the bezel, as these don’t have the DLC coating. I already see some scratches on the watch on the video, and they obviously haven’t been in use for a very long time.(((
As someone who has a forerunner 745 and is planning to do some ultras (100m at most and Ironmans) would you suggest one of the new watches or the forerunner 965?
I haven't been able to sync my Fenix 8 with my Edge 1040 so my heart rate isnt transmitted to the 1040 data page. Talked with Garmin but they haven't provided any answers. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated.
I prefer playing music off the watch than phone. means I'm not having to worry about two sources of battery drainage. And for sorter runs, I don't often take my phone. But never tested to see how much playing music off a phone uses..
Hello, on the close up if your fenix 8 it looks like you already have some scratches on the outer case. What do you think of the durability of the case?
You know what be handy, for batterylife? If garmin could make an option to show the route in "breadcrumb trail mode" also instead of the map. When I hike I need the map only occasionally, untill that time "bread crumb trai"l like the forerunner 255 is fine. And could you some how point out how the Fenix 8 is an upgrade to the fenix 7 if you leave out the speaker/mic and dive thing? Thanks for the tips. looking forward to the enduro 3 review!
@@parooweu Thanks. And how much hassle would it be to activate the map again? Or could you have two info screens, one with the map and one with the breadcrumb map?
Thank you so much for the insights into the new Felix 8. I’ve used a 6 and 7 in the past but i really appreciated the detail you offered explaining the new setting tips.
Can you lock the buttons during activities? Crossfit workouts have a lot burpee, push ups etc and activity keeps shutting off. My epix had autolock for buttons.
I noticed when you click the activity button your screen looks different than mine and I can't figure out why... When I hit the "start" button it goes to screen that has "activities" button at the top and when I select that it then goes to my list of activities (like Fenix 7 or epic 2). Do you know what setting you have yours on where there are multiple activities to choose from right away without having to select "activities"?
Does this watch do away with the need to look for map updates in Garmin Express? I connected via PC and as per the last 15 years of Garmin watch usage, it sucked bad. Not recognizing the watch at all.
I understand your frustration! It said 1-3 days to ship, when I ordered. Then I get an email that says 18-23 business days before shipping. That's rediculous.
In garmin connect app shows 3 new garmin fenix 8 models . Fenix 8 pro 47mm Fenix 8 pro 51mm Fenix 8 microLED ( most exciting thing, because its have new microled display , its 50% more power efficiency than amoled/oled display) . It’s may have more battery in everyday usage. But stronger battery its not the case , we want more “pro” functionality .. and it’s for now its a mystery.. what we get whit PRO models.
Does the 22 mm bike mount still work? And does the screen dim when mounted like on the epix. Because otherwise it’s unusable. Maybe somebody can test this. I would like to sell my edge 840 and just use one devise for all activities
@@victorquinones8723 My eyes are pretty bad but I read 58?! 🤣I ain't that high 🙈 I genuinely only received my Fenix 8 about 2 hours ago and I'm busy this weekend. I'll need a few days, expect it Tuesday ❤
How easy is it to change the straps and then the watch face to match? Like the look with swap to grey ultra band with grey watch face. Assume that's pretty easy to do, have never tried changing straps on my other Garmin.
What's the weight lifting experience on the watch? Is it the same mess as on the Epix where you can't change the default screen that pops up between every set?
I've had my Fenix 8-47mm for a few days now. I not satisfied with the battery life. I've lost 9% today in the last 8 hours and that is just normal wear, without any activity. I have also went into the settings and made adjustments. I'm not confident the Fenix 8 will last as long as I need it to for 100k and 100mile runs.
the only problem i have with the screen lock is that it locks when you are still scrolling and going through the watch kind of annoying. it should lock the screen when the watch screen is off.
The Fenix 8 watch face data fonts are too small - an incremental increase in font size looks feasible without reconfiguring the entire watch face. The supplied watch faces with the new Fenix 8 are really poor. The Garmin watch faces on the Fenix 8 are so poor it makes me wonder about a company making a major release of a new product that does not have at least 5 superior watch faces for the outdoor enthusiast.
I've had my Epix about a year. I never realized how much of a difference getting the ultra band made. So much lighter!
Thank you for the hard work bringing us Garmin content!
🤙
Fenix 8 is my first ever smartwatch and I absolutely love it. I know it's a marginal update over Epix 2 but the dive feature is big for me. Great tips video :) thanks
Can I dive in Uranus ?
Another tip that SHOULD theoretically save some battery life if youre one of those people that enjoy keeping the map page on is use "north up" as opposed to "track up". This will just require the watch to redraw your location if you're stationary as opposed to spinning the map around. Probably wont save you much but on a mip display it should help a little
Over a day of hiking it actually saves just over an hour of battery for me! 🔋
The hand over is really helpful and works on my 7x
Just picked this up yesterday and love it
I’m just happy I have joined Des in the Garmin superior VO2 max club lol, only just barely squeezed into that zone with my last workout.
:)🤙
Having just received my enduro 3, this was very useful coming from a Fenix 6. The newer UI was similar enough but a bit confusing - cheers for the tips!
Happy to help and enjoy your watch!
@@010MACS How’s the screen compared to Fenix 6?
@@Mdogbrown in what sense? I am liking the touch screen functionality, especially on the map page - yet to use it “properly” but it is just overall a step up which I suppose you’d expect after 5 years or so
@@010MACS Apologies for not being very specific. I was curious about clarity and backlight.
@@Mdogbrown no problem! The clarity seems similar to be honest - no solar panel on the 6 and the enduro 3 only has it round the edges. Backlight I can’t actually comment on - part of the reason for me upgrading is the light on my 6X has pretty much died! But the enduro 3 light is great and I like that I can turn it off just putting my palm over the screen. And the torch really is cool on the enduro haha
Thanks, Des! Wonderful information, as always! 👍💪👏
Thanks!
Super helpful, thanks Des. I’m in love with my Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED. Small but refined improvements.
Happy it helps! Thanks!
I’d love a side by side display comparison of the enduro 3 and fenix 8 in direct sun/indoors etc and how the new MIP display is compared to 7x. Always, thanks for another great video.
I'll see what I can do! Thanks!
Whatever other people say, Amoled is better/more readable in any situation. MIP is really if you for some reason prefer the „mood“ of a mip or really need the battery life. But the Amoled Fenix 47 already gives you around 2 weeks which should be more then enough.
@@TheDarkmining Went swimming the other day wearing my girlfriends Vivoactive 5(amoled) and my Pace 3 (MIP). At times I really struggled to see the Vivoactive.
@@radoslavstoev4550Was there any particular reason for this?
A little late to this reply but I upgraded from the 7X to the 8 solar and the screen clarity is night and day. Originally got the AMOLED but didn't realize how much I like to glance at my watch face without twisting my wrist (driving or at a desk etc). Returned it for the Solar and love it
Thanks for the great video
Sure thing!
thanks for the very helpful tips 👏
Got the Fenix 8 51mm titanium dlc... love it but what people don't talk about : the built-in watch face use the smallest possible type face for datas so it is really hard to read if you are in your 40's. Come garmin not all your customer are 20 years old specially when the watch cost $1.2k.
AGREE! The Fenix 8 watch face data fonts are too small - an incremental increase in font size looks feasible without reconfiguring the entire watch face.
The supplied watch faces with the new Fenix 8 are really poor. The Garmin watch faces on the Fenix 8 are so poor it makes me wonder about a company making a major release of a new product that does not have at least 5 superior watch faces for the outdoor enthusiast.
Off to pick mine up today, first Garmin smart watch so looking forward to the learning curve. You mentioned vo2max for walking so will go check how to do that as I am buying this for hiking and swimming mainly
love your reviews
Thanks!
Thanks for the good content!
You’re welcome!
It looks like the new Fenix 8 is faster responding to actions. The older Fenix’s seems to have a slight delay when pressing buttons to scroll down. Is anyone else noticing that? I can’t wait to purchase it!
Very helpful! Thanks!
👍
That voice assistant feels like s voice from a decade ago
The 2 seconds processing time is painful. Even Siri's response time is annoying.
Who ever thought a watch would have a voice command
On previous series watches, just ensure that 'notifications' is the last widget on your list, then just one touch of up button (from watch face) takes you straight to notifications.
Are built-in watch faces the same between Amoled, MIP and Enduro versions? Would love to see video just showing the different watch faces.
Can you set the top right button to activate the phone assistant or this “gesture” is reserved only for the on-device/offline assistant?
Thanks for the good review. I really like the design of the Fenix 8 and the new solar panel. Is it worth upgrading from the Solar 7 Pro to the Fenix Solar 8 if I don't need the microphone and I don't diver? Will I get any extra perks on the 8?
Had a drain with the EASY round watchface that I bought. Was breaking my mind what caused it on my FR945 until I switched back to the standard watch face. Too bad because I really liked that watch face. Maybe I'll buy a Fenix 8 to see if they fixed it on that watch hahaha.
Mine Fenix 8 Amoled didn’t measure my sleep last night. I slept around 9 hours. UA-cam music still not available but on my Fenix 7 which I purchased January 2022 it is available.
The colors of your WatchFace are amazing. Can you give some details about the name which colors you use? Thank you.
Iron Grit watch face, Silver color for accent, and Light Grey for Data 👍
I’d love to see a review on the D2 Mach 1 Pro. Feel like it does everything my tactix 7 pro does plus more.
Thanks for this I had a Fenix 7pro and changed it fir the Marq 2 Carbon but wondering whether to go to Fenix 8 as its better looking!
감사합니다
Thank you
Please compare with solar model🎉
Should I get this one or Apple Watch Ultra 2?
4:38 - still lags, even on the latest Garmin Fenix 8. I have Venu2 and the same lags when I swipe the screen. Very disappointed.
Been waiting for the enduro 3 review since it released
Coming up…
@@DesFit Keep up the awesome work both you and Ray
Hi Des, very good material ! Thank you from Poland (Europe 🙂). I have one question , why there are so many scratches on the watches (Fenix 8) which you and Ray are testing recently? They are just for tests and nobody care? Or these models are so sensitive to scratches ?
What you prefer MIP or Amoled for Fenix 8 , you have Enduro 3 also . I am aware if I use away on Amoled screen burn pixels after some mounts or 1-2 years …..
Nice video, I have a question, is it worth buying this 1200 euro smartwatch with what it offers?
Do you have already scratches on the titanium bezel? Or is it just greasy finger?
Friends, I am thinking of buying a new 8. But I am very undecided because of the screen and charging differences. AMOLED? LCD?
Is the charger magsafe style or need to be connected to charge port?
I can't get the hand wave cancel to work. Does this need enabling somewhere?
Great and useful review!
Question regarding durability - how much less durable do you think the “clear titanium” are than the DLC covered version? I really love the new look with the orange accents, however I am concerned as to how much more scratches I am going to get on the bezel, as these don’t have the DLC coating. I already see some scratches on the watch on the video, and they obviously haven’t been in use for a very long time.(((
As someone who has a forerunner 745 and is planning to do some ultras (100m at most and Ironmans) would you suggest one of the new watches or the forerunner 965?
How do you find the 47mm on your wrist compared to 51mm you used to wear?
Does the hand on the display gesture to go to the homescreen works on a Epix pro gen 2? Can't get it to work on mine. What are the settings?
I haven't been able to sync my Fenix 8 with my Edge 1040 so my heart rate isnt transmitted to the 1040 data page. Talked with Garmin but they haven't provided any answers. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated.
I prefer playing music off the watch than phone.
means I'm not having to worry about two sources of battery drainage.
And for sorter runs, I don't often take my phone.
But never tested to see how much playing music off a phone uses..
Des, where is the temp info located in connect? I see that it can measure wrist temp but can’t find it in connect .. thanks
Do the new Fenix 8 line have durability issues? It looks pretty banged up
Your opinion, please. Almost 3 months ago I bought my epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire. Is it worth the upgrade?
No
Same chips (HR and GPS accuracy), same screen size, you would be upgrading for the (underwhelming) mic and dive features. Decide yourself.
No, this is an Epix Pro Dive Edition, with mic
Hello, on the close up if your fenix 8 it looks like you already have some scratches on the outer case. What do you think of the durability of the case?
Hello, I have a question, does the bezel of your Garmin Fenix 8 have any abrasions?
You know what be handy, for batterylife? If garmin could make an option to show the route in "breadcrumb trail mode" also instead of the map. When I hike I need the map only occasionally, untill that time "bread crumb trai"l like the forerunner 255 is fine. And could you some how point out how the Fenix 8 is an upgrade to the fenix 7 if you leave out the speaker/mic and dive thing?
Thanks for the tips. looking forward to the enduro 3 review!
You can kind of do that by disabling all map layers in map/activity settings, and also maybe changing the map orientation to north always up.
@@parooweu Thanks. And how much hassle would it be to activate the map again? Or could you have two info screens, one with the map and one with the breadcrumb map?
Thank you so much for the insights into the new Felix 8. I’ve used a 6 and 7 in the past but i really appreciated the detail you offered explaining the new setting tips.
Can you lock the buttons during activities? Crossfit workouts have a lot burpee, push ups etc and activity keeps shutting off. My epix had autolock for buttons.
@ 4:00
@@DesFit 4:00, what does that mean?
Nevemind. 4 minute point.
Still on the fence... enduro 3 or fenix 8... help!!
I noticed when you click the activity button your screen looks different than mine and I can't figure out why... When I hit the "start" button it goes to screen that has "activities" button at the top and when I select that it then goes to my list of activities (like Fenix 7 or epic 2). Do you know what setting you have yours on where there are multiple activities to choose from right away without having to select "activities"?
Pinning an activity: ua-cam.com/video/3aZ6h55LbPY/v-deo.htmlsi=4peVVYt8K-TfyPez&t=741
Does this watch do away with the need to look for map updates in Garmin Express? I connected via PC and as per the last 15 years of Garmin watch usage, it sucked bad. Not recognizing the watch at all.
Amoled and mips which one is better?thank you
Waiting on my 51mm solar fenixn8 to ship out. Says 5-8 weeks estimated before it ships 😭
I understand your frustration! It said 1-3 days to ship, when I ordered. Then I get an email that says 18-23 business days before shipping. That's rediculous.
Can you cancel and just run to a bass pro/cabela?
well worth the wait ! its awesome
Check your local Bass Pro shops.. found one yesterday in my area
Fenix 9 will be out by then 😅
It’s a great upgrade from a Fenix 5 .. like wow .. don’t upgrade if you have a 7 for sure …
Whats the longest "Screen Timeout" setting? On my Epix it says 15 seconds. Curious..
Hi. Which watch are you wearing on the opposite wrist (all black one)?
Enduro 3
@@DesFit thanks Des
Wanted to add something, the LED light is more “white” than the F7 models which are a bit more “yellow”.
How is the new sports specific strength training different from usual strength training workout plans in connect ?
In garmin connect app shows 3 new garmin fenix 8 models .
Fenix 8 pro 47mm
Fenix 8 pro 51mm
Fenix 8 microLED ( most exciting thing, because its have new microled display , its 50% more power efficiency than amoled/oled display) . It’s may have more battery in everyday usage.
But stronger battery its not the case , we want more “pro” functionality .. and it’s for now its a mystery.. what we get whit PRO models.
does it take long for the ultra fit to dry? seems like every time I've worn a nylon band I get tired of waiting for it to dry..
about 10-15 minutes
Does the 22 mm bike mount still work? And does the screen dim when mounted like on the epix. Because otherwise it’s unusable. Maybe somebody can test this. I would like to sell my edge 840 and just use one devise for all activities
What brightness do you set your watch at?
2/3
If I may ask.. What's screen lifespan?
How many mm is the Phoenix 8 bezel on my wrist?
Nice watch strap at 3:23 , where do u get that?
Got any tips on how I can get my Vo2max that high? 🤣👏🏽
Bro i think yours It Is higher! 😂 Cheers!! Are we willing a video of the fenix 8 from you??
@@victorquinones8723 My eyes are pretty bad but I read 58?! 🤣I ain't that high 🙈 I genuinely only received my Fenix 8 about 2 hours ago and I'm busy this weekend. I'll need a few days, expect it Tuesday ❤
@ActiveIdeas Ha! :)
How easy is it to change the straps and then the watch face to match? Like the look with swap to grey ultra band with grey watch face. Assume that's pretty easy to do, have never tried changing straps on my other Garmin.
Straps are extremely easy to change. No tools needed.
Watch face colors are in the setting with unlimited color options. 👌🏼
where can I get that watch face? tnx
It's the stock Fenix 8 watch face called Iron Grit
They remove the reference point from shortcut . Can we do something about it. Fenix 8 51
Watch out with the ultra fit nylon band .... i lost my fenix 7 saphiresolar swimming in the ocean with this band....
Just had the enduro 3 rock up. Haven’t set it up yet. Is this info relevant ?
Yup, nearly all the info actually! (Exceptions being topics around the speaker/mic)
@@DesFit great thank you. Guessing no need for a seperate video regarding tips and tricks for the enduro 3 then ?
Nope
What's the weight lifting experience on the watch? Is it the same mess as on the Epix where you can't change the default screen that pops up between every set?
You can disable and customize this.
Can't wait for the Enduro review!! I hope it's not too big for my 175mm wrist though...
what about the new strength couch?
Can you start a nap timer with voice commands?
are you planning to do the enduro 3? i am waiting for the same since i am planning to swap my 955 for it, thanks.
Yup! Next video in the works
I've had my Fenix 8-47mm for a few days now. I not satisfied with the battery life. I've lost 9% today in the last 8 hours and that is just normal wear, without any activity. I have also went into the settings and made adjustments. I'm not confident the Fenix 8 will last as long as I need it to for 100k and 100mile runs.
If you're really doing 100 miles ya should have known better to get the solar
Any updates on this? How long does it last now? Are the claimed 7 days in smartwatch mode realistic?
Can you tell me how to delete the call history
Ordered this (the same colorway) today says I should receive it on Tuesday. 47 the 51 is to big for the wrist
Des, can you tell us if the bands are backwards compatible and to which model. Does the 7Pro bands work with the F8 ?
Yes, all backwards compatible per small to small, medium to medium, and large to large size cases
How do I stop receiving phone app notifications on my fenix 8 when in a workout? It’s driving me crazy. 😆
Is the epix gone so for good
The name? Maybe. But the Fenix 8 AMOLED is the new Epix
I wished I waited a few months ago I brought the Epix Pro 51mm
Man is the same watch, this is an Epix Pro Dive Edition
the only problem i have with the screen lock is that it locks when you are still scrolling and going through the watch kind of annoying. it should lock the screen when the watch screen is off.
Desfit what band is the gray one
The UltraFit band I spoke about in the video :)
@@DesFit I must of missed that part. I’m finishing the end of video now :) and ok from amazon?
Just ordered
What everything is so laggy? :( You can see a small lag/freeze with basically any action.
DES ARMY
🤘
This is what the Galaxy watch Ultra should have looked like. ROUND!!! 😂
But they needed a bigger battery so they could get a full day with AOD 🤣🤣
@@jasonandrew412 🤪
The fenix 8 orange band is tearing up the skin on my wrist
In the voice commands they haven't mentioned "show me heart rate"
Need to add chapters!!
The Fenix 8 watch face data fonts are too small - an incremental increase in font size looks feasible without reconfiguring the entire watch face.
The supplied watch faces with the new Fenix 8 are really poor. The Garmin watch faces on the Fenix 8 are so poor it makes me wonder about a company making a major release of a new product that does not have at least 5 superior watch faces for the outdoor enthusiast.
I love Garmin’s battery life and data but the UI is so dated :( (watch face, etc)
Coros is the way
Perfect size 47 mm for your wrist