Garmin Fenix 8 In-Depth Review: 23 Things You Should Know!

[@pietrosanchirico]

The new starting price is just ridiculous. I think I will keep my Fenix 7x Pro for more years than I expected

[@86keen]

Same

[@gabrielgatev]

same , just not worth the upgrade

[@Pjeroff]

Bro you got the last gen flagship, why on earth would you "upgrade".... it's supposed to last you 5 years minimum....not 1 year. This ain't a phone w/ swap deals going around...

[@Mark-fg3ku]

I've got a fenix 5 and it's perfect enough... The only thing I'm missing is triathlon but that's easy to solve

[@BobbyWoody429]

@@PjeroffI mean I’m thinking of getting a Fenix 7 because of the price drops. How long ago was the 7 released?

[@bellosthomas]

Will be staying with my 7 pro. Price is ridiculous and the features do not justify it. Kudos for being honest and making it clear in your review

[@tobias_dahlberg]

Generally you don't want to upgrade from one gen to the next with Garmin Fenix's nowadays. The differences are too small. I have a 7S Pro and I'm probably waiting for the 9 for my upgrade.

[@VisionMTB]

I agree. I wonder if we'll be seeing the software updates on the 7.

[@benjaminschuldt6211]

@@mightnmagic3095 Don't want amoled. I'm on a 6 Pro and think I'll probably upgrade to the 7 pro or 7 pro solar when the prices drop a bit. Fenix 8 is trying to compete with apple watch too much and misses the plot a bit - especially with how expensive it is.

[@jamesconors88]

@@mightnmagic30957pro with amoled is called the 7 epix pro

[@PatJuhNL]

@@tobias_dahlberg I have the same idea. I have a regular Fenix 7. I won't be upgrading until a 9 or 9 Pro, depending on how long the battery will last... During bike-rides or fitness I use a HRM on the chest, this is more reliable (especially with MTB or Gravel rides where the watch bounces around a bit).

[@petercohen7684]

The Master of sport watch reviews returns. Greatly appreciated as always.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Wait, where'd I go?!? 😂 Thanks!!

[@dmalovic]

@@Dcrainmakerstrange you don't mention ECG and the type of HR sensor...

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@dmalovicbecause it didn’t change. Same Gen5 as its predecessor, the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, with ECG if activated in the US.

[@TheGinjaro]

My Fenix 6 is still crushing all the activities!

[@andrewgillman6327]

Really? Mine has all of the updstes and won't run GPS for 5 min without dieing and won't keep time. Garmin essentially told me off. I spent full msrp too and enjoyed it when it worked. Thoughts???

[@eltocado]

Exactly my point. I've got the 7x sapphire solar...no real reason. No cellular? I mean...no gps sos or similar sms gps connectivity?

[@andrewgillman6327]

@@eltocado the 8 is a complete let down and lacks all the useful features one can enjoy for connectivity and fast processing. The slow voice commands seem frustrating from when I tested it and useless, try it in the wind and test your patience. Another flip and I'd expect stock share values to drop very fast with layoffs at the executive leadership a certain fate.

[@aaaaooooii]

@@andrewgillman6327 ​​⁠Is this a joke? Lay-offs at the executive level? Tell us you know nothing about Garmin as an overall company without telling us

[@kezzatube45]

Ewww you still use a Fenix 6

[@justinward1580]

Started watching the Garmin Live event, then decided I should just come straight to the source!

[@michaelk.920]

same!

[@PetrVolak]

same here!

[@Jamesrm101]

Same, as soon as the cheesy guy said it would be 50 minutes of corporate cringe I came here

[@StephenWithaPH2756]

Exactly same here too! haha

[@mohammedumairzaman3212]

Same here! DC rainmaker will defo give justice to the fenix line!

[@vincevinnyp9224]

Thanks should have done this before. Your content is so useful to me.

[@MattSwain1]

Earlier this year I decided to replace my Fenix 6S with a Forerunner 965 while it was on sale basically because I knew I’d be tempted to blow too much money when the Fenix 8 dropped otherwise. Having watched this review I’m really happy with my choice. There isn’t an extra $500 worth of stuff compared to my 965, not even close. I can’t imagine there’s many Fenix 6/7 owners who are thinking “I love my watch but I wish it had a slow and limited voice assistant”! I’m not convinced this is the right path for Garmin. Yeah the Fenix is the premium model but the starting price for one seems to have rocketed since I got mine in 2018/19. In the past, some of the Forerunner series were ugly, so you got Fenix because it looked like nice watch - today, a modern Forerunner also looks like a nice watch and there’s just no reason for most people to spend $1000+ on a Fenix

[@Slowjo1221]

I was holding out for the 8, but the 965 is on sale at Cabela’s for $500 right now. I feel the same, it’s just not worth the price.

[@MattSwain1]

@@Slowjo1221 I have no regrets about getting the 965. It’s a good looking watch and does more things than my Fenix 6S Pro did. Unless you have a really specific use I think you’ll be glad you saved yourself $500 and still got a great watch

[@acceptablecarrot173]

Absolutely love my forerunner 965. Does everything I need, battery easily lasts long enough for everything I do, and I love the AMOLED display. Can't really see much benefit to getting the Fenix

[@Indepthview]

965 with a flashlight and LTE would be my dream

[@subarcticmoose]

Yup, same move for me, love my 965

[@densyoh]

ohhh my…Garmin will not send you a Christmas card this December😂…great review as always, you always get the best reviews from people who review from the woods and not from an office chair

[@JeepnJohnny]

I had my Fenix 5 since 2017 and upgraded to the Epix 2 Pro this last May when the big sale was on. I love the new watch and the 7 years newer tech and performance. I'm glad I didn't wait because the entry price for this new device is absolutely crazy. As much as my Fenix and Epix are two of my favorite purchases, Garmin is out of their minds with that price. Hopefully it balances out when their sales slow. By the way, your review of the Fenix 5 back in 2017, and your review of Epix 2 Pro was what got me to purchase! Keep up the good work.

[@ronin1648]

Same, was waiting for the 8 but with that price, decided to go for a standard epix gen 2 that was on sale for about 400.

[@jmkann15]

Glad I got the Fenix 7 Pro during the fathers day sale now... couldn't beat that ~$600 price point.

[@Gustavo-x8f3q]

I got my brand new Fenix 8 Amoled for $800 last week. Much rather pay 800 for a Fenix 8 47MM Amoled than 600 for the old and outdated Fenix 7

[@CharlieO77]

@@Gustavo-x8f3q800? That’s a great price where did you find that price?

[@Gustavo-x8f3q]

@ abt. I have a friend that works there and he gets 20 to 25% off everything . I get all my watches and phones there because of him. Even drones I’ve gotten there.

[@Wontreplyeverdontbother]

Just picked up a Fenix 8 for 400 Can't beat it

[@gezza7718]

My Fenix 5X is still going strong. Changed bands a few times over the past 5-6 years but does everything I need.

[@alisavas9526]

I came here to leave exactly the same comment! I'd love to have the latest one but I can't do it as long as the old one keeps going

[@ggs4989]

If only I hadn't lost my 6x pro... Won't be buying another one until it's got satellite SOS and cellular. Otherwise, it's just not worth it.

[@symmie666]

Is your battery life still good? My fenix 6pro needs charged every 2 days now.. so I've went and bought one of these

[@alisavas9526]

@symmie666 My battery is still going strong, lasting me almost as long as when it was new! The only thing is I need to top up the charge later in the day because it shows 100% and then drops quickly down to 88%-ish. Maybe it's better not fully charge in the first place.

[@inthemountainswithmax]

my 5x is also still going strong but after so many years i'll upgrade mine by the end of the month. just hoping for a good black friday deal since the model i want is around 1400Usd at te moment

[@nicholas6813]

16:40 is a meme 😂 Great video, I always watch your videos first to get all the info I need. Thanks

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's amazing. Didn't catch that.

[@CyclingDad]

Brilliant 😂

[@JeremyDeBose]

Dang it I was about to say that 😂

[@reedmelicher8658]

I'm so happy there's a MIP option! I was hoping they were gonna make it thinner though, not thicker.

[@jamisonswift8320]

Oof, the loss of the "S" line sucks. I also have small wrists and having to start at $1K and an AMOLED display is rough.

[@kalvin.]

Just wait for Black Friday to get the Epix 2 Pro 42mm. Unless you need the mic and speaker, it can do everything this can really and you’ll likely save hundreds of dollars.

[@Vincelebourrin]

no dude, you have regular wrists ... i find the 42 mm epix quite big already imo

[@andrew40]

I have a (cracked) 645M and I think it's already a little big. Specs list it as 42.5mm. I'd love a solar Fenix, but damn. I don't want that much screen size. It's a watch first.

[@igori3532]

The watch with an already smallest battery gets hungry display, which hurts battery life even more. What were they thinking?

[@Vincelebourrin]

@@igori3532 I have the epix 42mm which shows lower battery metrics, and even if it is 'low' it's fully manageable as it supports fast charging from usb c ( so from phone as well)

[@ted363636]

I have small wrists and have been using Fenix watches for many years, always in S size. Even if I preferred AMOLED (and I don’t for many reasons), the small Fenix 8 lasts only 4 days in always on mode (using gesture is like going back 10 years in time) so I would still prefer solar MIP as my small F7SS lasts 2 weeks during summer even with some GPS activities. So yeah, I'm left with no options but at least I won't be buying a new watch. My wallet thanks Garmin but personally I'm truly mad at them for crippling one of the most iconic watches on the market.

[@maranr]

Same here. I have a Fenix 7S Saphire Solar and was hoping for a bigger leap in battery life and features. I'll stick with what I have at least until the Fenix 9.

[@jamesconors88]

@@maranrsame guys I just bought my 7s solar sapphire fully charged it says 11 days is that correct ?

[@jamesconors88]

@@maranr same guys I just bought my 7s solar sapphire fully charged it says 11 days is that correct ?

[@ted363636]

@@jamesconors88 for me it lasts more than that when it's sunny and I spend time outside

[@maranr]

@@jamesconors88 It can be, yes definitely. But I do a lot of GPS activities so get less and I am sure I have not optimized my settings.

[@movdqa]

I bought a 7 Pro SS this past spring and there's not enough here for an upgrade. My previous purchase was the 5 Plus in 2018. The improved solar and display change sounds nice. I usually run with an iPhone 13 mini and Beats Fit Pro so I don't need a microphone or speaker. It looks like incremental improvements to me as I'm not a diver and I don't think that I need any of the new hardware aspects. At some point I'll upgrade but I need enough new features to do so. What tipped me over to upgrading to the 7 Pro SS is the flashlight. Features I'd like are a camera and the ability to upload and watch videos. On pricing: I paid $1,150 for my Fenix 5 Plus Titanium and the band was $250 if purchased separately. So the DLC base was $900 or the same as the Fenix 7 Pro SS. So they've kept prices stable for five years. If cost is an issue, then I'd see people buying the 7, 7 Pro or the Epix versions.

[@borjac.6641]

Fénix 7x pro since one year... And for the next 3. What a madness the prices!! In 3 years I hope to buy a fénix 9 in a good offer.

[@aexetanius]

A good deal on the Fenix 9 will likely cost about the same as the regular price of the Fenix 8, though.

[@Psysso]

The 9 will probably be 1700

[@borjac.6641]

Nah, I don't think so. I never buy it in starting prices... My 7x pro cost 700€ 2 months after was launched. And I will never buy an amoled fénix, I bet the price of fénix 8x solar downs under 1000 for black Friday. But honestly I will maintain my 7x pro at least until 2027. My 6 pro was a beast and lasted so good for 4 years, that I finally sold it for 300€. So literally I just spent 400€ in the renewing.

[@aexetanius]

@@borjac.6641 "I will never buy an amoled Fenix." Alright, in that case, the Enduro 3 or 4 might be your choice, as it’s likely that the Fenix 9 will be amoled-only, while the Enduro series is expected to retain the MIP display.

[@borjac.6641]

​@@aexetaniusWell.. i hope they maintain MIP display. I wish i could have the information about the epix and fenix sales to compare and forecast the fenix 8 sales, but imo MIP will win because it lasts much more. An amoled screen is not an imversion for many years, and is not a cheap gadget to change every year/2 years. Don't know, we will see..

[@tuxgun]

Thanks!

[@rcuadro]

Finally! I have been refreshing KZbin all morning

[@Zane_Zaminsky]

👎

[@beardodraeb]

Thanks

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks very much, really appreciate it!

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

lol. Was on fb and saw an advert for the fenix 8. Knew I’d have a dc rainmaker review as soon as I opened KZbin. Right up in first line. Haha. Nice

[@xKrafty--]

This makes me feel so much better about my Epix Pro 😂

[@eriktred]

Best fitness watch I've ever owned.

[@Smarfton]

​@@eriktredI was about to say the same thing. Pretty much everything they're putting on the new enduro 3, but amoled AND a battery life that's just nuts, why the hell would I upgrade to either the new Fenix or Enduro? Garmin has always been awful at their pricing matrix and offerings, but this release window is downright comical. Gonna be with my Epix Pro for years now 😂

[@kalvin.]

I got the Epix 2 Pro 42mm (I wanted smaller size, flashlight and sapphire) for $800 brand new on Black Friday. Not cheap, but I don’t need to upgrade for at least 5 years. The only thing that would prompt an upgrade would be true cellular connectivity if that ever happens.

[@Liubomyr7]

@@kalvin.same

[@texasjmd]

I have the sapphire/titanium Epix 2. Really wish I had gotten the Pro now. I’d like to find a way to upgrade to the Pro. No need for the Fenix 8. Especially at those prices.

[@rickyrosario9109]

Dude, I've always enjoyed your content but taking the watch diving is next level. Just awesome man.

[@sethriddle7615]

I appreciate the reality check at the end. Thank you for the extensive review!

[@vosch8229]

As a Fenix 7 Pro owner, this huge increase in price is definitively not worth an upgrade. LTE would make me want it, but even then, I would not invest the money. But I am happy that Garmin is keeping the MIP options alive (at least for my wrist size).

[@Zjaan353]

It’s a beautiful watch but no major upgrades with respect to the Fenix 7 it seems, so I’ll stay with that. Thanks for the great video Ray!

[@MrUled]

Honest review, thanks DCR! In my view the price isn't only not worth it for the minimal update, but also because Apple and others have gained a lot of ground and are far cheaper now. Garmin asking a premium + increase... Why? I will stay with my epix gen 2.

[@bmwohl]

Great review. My first Garmin watch was the Fenix 3 HR and now I'm using the Epix Gen 2 and I'm curious not driven about my fitness. So the Epix Gen 2 gets me by even when backpacking. I loved this review but, like you said, it would need cellular to get me to spring for an upgrade this year. Thanks again. I love everything about your channel and your equipment reviews.

[@NeilAcquatella]

Dude you reviews helped me get into the Garmin world almost a decade ago, first with the ForeRunner 610, later with the Fenix 3 (died a few months ago), so this is the review I was waiting for! Thanks!

[@TheSgt93]

I always know where to go for the Fenix reviews.

[@jamesconors88]

Ive just bought the Fenix 7 s Pro solar saphire and I’m glad I did! Not releasing the 8 (MIP) in 42mm is a mistake but perhaps a tactical one it may release with the 8 ”pro” or mid season refresh. However even if there was a 42mm in the 8 today I still wouldn’t upgrade as it’s not worth the jump from the 7pro to the 8 it’s basically comparable to a decent software update. I like that they’ve kept the MIP technology alive and hopefully the will continue to do so for the real Fenix O.G’s

[@trutranx]

So happy I went ahead and bought the Enduro 2 for $599.99 on Amazon Prime Day this past July. Thought about waiting for the Fenix 8 to come out but decided the sales was too good to pass on. It looks like I made the right choice because there’s no must-have new feature in the Fenix 8 to justify the additional $ I would have to pay for this latest model.

[@XploreAlex]

Very excited to see you trying these devices in Catalonia! You guys have chosen good routes to enjoy it! I hope you had a great time and let me know if you need future recommendations!

[@gregrunsultras]

Phew - Been considering an upgrade and was waiting to for the Fenix 8 to come out. Puts wallet back in pocket and waits another year. Great video as always - thanks.

[@m.volkmar6167]

Danke!

[@heracles89]

Just picked this up yesterday and I love it already - first time getting a smartwatch and was torn between this and Apple Watch Ultra 2 - think I made a good choice

[@grundschul-mathe-profis2773]

Hello, would you say that now, after a month, you are still very happy with the watch? Is it working well/exactly?

[@heracles89]

@ yeh it’s a solid watch / I’m still very happy with. - great for sports / running etc. (it looks v cool as well lol)

[@grundschul-mathe-profis2773]

@@heracles89 Okay, thank you! I am happy for you!

[@FeWH]

Garmin is a solid and great company. Bottom line, if you have the money and want an upgraded version of the Fenix. Get it. It has an amazing display and looks Awesome. If you don’t have the money, get a Fenix 6 or 7. A great watch too. It’s up to you.

[@RaulViitor1]

For this price, I'm much happy staying with my €350 FR955.

[@SonnyDarvish]

Same here. Got a Fenix 6s Pro 3 years ago at a discount for €410. Has maps and music, great features that I occasionally use.

[@trailzrock2]

I've been trying to find something better than the FR955. Nothing out there. Suunto, Coros and Polar come close, but no cigar

[@medvus750]

Im still rocking FR945!

[@michaelfedora]

Thanks Ray for this, as always, unbiased review. This is what I needed to avoid FOMO with this release. Looks like I and many others will be sticking Fenix 7 generation.

[@RussellSmith-nv2je]

Great review, thank you. For me - I have been looking for a reason to upgrade my Forerunner 935 and still haven't found one.

[@NihilimZA]

Great video Ray as always. I still have the Fenix 6 and it still does 100% of all the things I want my watch to do. (Triathlon training and general everyday health stats and phone notifications) I'm hoping I don't have to replace it because people like me are being priced out of what Garmin has to offer. $1000 is impossible for me (and most people I know) to justify.

[@Doniyorbek_Turgunov]

With such pricing, they'll likely sell all old EPIX and 7th-generation super quickly! Very clever strategy imo :)

[@kannibal8850]

And hopefully they will have a lot of storage full to the brim with Fenix 8

[@afrogunso77]

😂​@@kannibal8850

[@Gustavo-x8f3q]

@@kannibal8850once they sell out of the epix they will give great deals on the Fenix 8s….

[@Hulley29]

Great vid, very clear and to the point. I'm looking to get my first Garmin and I am a recreational diver, golfer and gym rat, I think the Fenix 8 will fit the bill.

[@railzip]

Why isn’t this channel at 5 million followers yet. I have been a long time subscriber

[@hunched_monk3279]

Because only 15% of these commenters and viewers are subscribed :/

[@AC12385]

After seeing this review DC… Extremely satisfied now that I purchased the Forerunner 955 at Amazon prime deal of 319…. Saved me from dropping another 800 bills…. 😂

[@riv5438]

As someone who has been using a Forerunner 945 since its release for 99% of its capability and also scuba dives, the Fenix 8 is a no-brainer upgrade for me.

[@ChazUBCS]

Waiting for my Fenix 8 in the mail. Upgrading from a Fenix 5, which is somewhere around 6.5 years old now. I expect the leap in tech to allow me to hold onto the Fenix 8 for even longer than my current Fenix 5.

[@rickyrosario9109]

Microphone and speaker makes me buy it, finally. There have to be more like me.

[@rainerrain9689]

So did you buy it ,how you like it ? I'm debating if I should buy it,thanks.

[@rickyrosario9109]

@@rainerrain9689 I ended up getting a Samsung Watch Ultra. I'm not proud...

[@NicolasRuss1]

After trying to read up on as much as I could prior to the lauch of the Fenix 8, I dived in and purchased a Fenix 7X Pro Solar Sapphire on a crazy discount and since the launch of the 8 am still VERY stoked with my choice and loving the new watch!

[@MichalBrat]

So happy that my FOMO doesn't force me to upgrade this time. I don't dive and don't plan to use voice on my watch (KITT style, though!), so I just need to wait for my EpixPro to get the new software interface. There, 1200 Eur spared.

[@VisionMTB]

Every time I do a review and feel good about it, I watch one of yours 😭 Nice watch, amazing content as always.

[@frbhedge]

Have they upgraded the CPU/RAM?

[@nickyanakiev147]

Nope...

[@frbhedge]

So a speaker, mic, new seals on the buttons and a fresh coat of paint (new UI)? Hmmm

[@cedric182]

Most likely not

[@Carlitabita]

Don’t joke

[@JasonRaneses]

This was the generation to upgrade the core of the watch. We’ll be waiting on the Fenix 8 Pro for that.

[@ArnelGonce]

My husband and I dive, and I’m currently using the Descent M2i all the time for everything. It’s too big for that though, and I was looking for a backup dive computer. This fits the bill with all the other things I utilize exercise wise, and health/sleep/stress. Price is a little staggering compared to Apples Ultra, but wasn’t impressed with that. I can’t wait to get my hands on this Thanks DCR for making such an awesome video!

[@knorke3642]

as I am nearly blind (without my glasses)....I find voice command a useful option no matter how long it might take to respond

[@luisbarraza9709]

My 7X SS has been a tank for 3 years love it. Was ready to go with 8 if LTE connection was able! Only thing that I really wish I had.

[@toadlguy]

Thanks, Ray. If you are a Diver this makes sense, otherwise I don’t think so. For all models! 😮

[@Twicrumbles]

Looks great! Happy to see that MIP + solar survives another round (teaches me to not trust the rumors...). I'll continue to use my F6 pro solar until it falls apart and think I'll grab an F8 solar by then. Shame it gained 0.7mm of thickness compared to the previous generation though.

[@codypribyl7686]

I like the look of the new UI. I wonder if they will update that on the epix pro in a future update.

[@adamkreuz9068]

Now that would be awesome if they did, it does look nice

[@Panagiotis-Skordilis]

They don't even offer proper beta updates. Garmin software is a mess

[@isstiautngmmhpaatta91311]

@@Panagiotis-Skordilis This is so true. They have so many issue to fix on the old UI and now they have a new UI? They have a voice note but no way to get it off the watch - come on?

[@Panagiotis-Skordilis]

@@isstiautngmmhpaatta91311instead of fix their fking software they release another craps feature. They remind me Apple who release new wallpapers. I’m long time beta tester in their products and I help a lot of people in forums but at the moment the situation is a joke. FIX your fking software for the outdated hardware you sell and then you can justify your joke prices. Not to mention edge like another ton of bugs.

[@wpymes]

I own an Epix Gen 2 (not PRO) Sapphire Titanium. After watching your review I think Ill pass the 2024 upgrade to FENIX 8 and wait for FENIX 9. Subscribed and thumbs up!

[@John117M63]

Its 5am and i woke uo just to go to the restroom, now i cant go back to sleep because im watching all the reviews lol

[@nyxablaze]

sleep score 45

[@aexetanius]

Body battery at 5

[@yevhenkushnirenko5868]

Sleep score 71

[@antonintissot]

Totally in line with you, I will update my Fenix 7X when they'll add cellular connectivity, the price tag was yet too high for my F7X and minor updates like that don't justify an even higher price tag.

[@daleykun]

I actually don't think any new features will make me consider upgrading from my 6s pro until I can get a Fenix with cellular data for taking calls without my phone. I don't want to run with my phone for peace and quiet away from technology, but I still want to be able to contacted in case of emergency or vice versa.

[@_Rafiki.]

Having had the f6 about 4+ years now, I really wanted to upgrade to the f8 when it was released but now I'm left wishing I had snapped up that f7 in the sale last week

[@3aroundtheworld]

Thx for all the info. I think I will buy the Epix 2 pro.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

Very good review, always appriciate how you deep 'dive' into all the features. Also the part about the price was interesting. You alway's have to look at what are the extra's you get when there is a price bump.

[@brum293]

The t-shirt. 😅 Eat Pasta. Run Fasta. ✊️

[@fun-ghi]

Just bought the Epix Pro, very happy with it, but this one looks amazing too.

[@adamweb]

Ray the type of guy to test every activity Garmin supports on an average Monday afternoon 😂

[@MikeJohnson-qy4wq]

He’s had a private test unit for weeks

[@weiln12]

The things that keep me going back to my AW Ultra are the mic/speaker and on-screen keyboard. I wanted also wanted a UI/UX revamp since the Epix with Fenix software was just a poor experience using the touchsreen compared to the Venu. The addition of the offline voice recognition is also fantastic for me because I do talk to my watch all the time (except for my Epix) so that's also a great feature. Adding in the diving is just a cherry as well, since I don't dive below 40M. The watch I wanted from Garmin was a marriage of my Epix and my Venu 3...and this appears to be it. The only aspect that Ray doesn't cover is whether or not the Fenix 8 has the same on-screen keyboard the Venu has or not. Yes I wish it had LTE, but since I use an MVNO I can't use the LTE on my my AW Ultra anyway, and I'm not paying 3x the price just to get service on my watch. So I just carry my phone with me and I have the emergency services I need. With the new Pixel 9 I now have satellite emergency services too. The price is...what it is but given how long my Garmin watches last vs my Apple Watches, I really don't have a lot of complaints. Overall, I'm very excited for this watch! Just my $.02.

[@isstiautngmmhpaatta91311]

But you can't just talk to your watch you have to press a button to talk to it, at that point it is faster just to press the button to get to what you wanted anyway.

[@weiln12]

@@isstiautngmmhpaatta91311 I'm aware, but I can press and hold a button without looking. I'm not going to memorize every permutation of button pushes to do the same thing.

[@Jakkals27]

Always the best place to get the best reviews. Thank you. I'm in South Africa and the price will be a big issue. I'm still on a fenix 5 plus and looking to upgrade. Will hang on for now.

[@Jhumanghjngg]

I assume from the pics that it kept that wonky charging connector found on the previous gen?

[@uelrogers2029]

I'm still rocking my Fenix 3...but will be upgrading to a 8. They will be on model 15 before i upgrade again!

[@declanmcguinness2896]

Quality review as always Ray 👌🏻

[@niles_stone2742]

Glad to be part of the elite subscriber group. 🎉

[@CyberEditing]

Bought mine today. Been waiting 3 years.

[@Cyborgon]

Great review, i recently got the Suunto race s and sold my Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, then the fenix 8 has come out and tbh im not sold, much prefer the Suunto, it just has everything you need and the Garmin for me had too much information and too many screens to go through. And i used to use the flashlight all the time on the fenix but i don't miss it. Gps accuracy is spot on and even though the HR is crap on it you have definitely sold me on getting the polar Verity sense just from this review haha. Also dont think i could ever go back to all those buttons of the Garmin, the scroll wheel of the suunto is perfect. Your review has confirmed to me that my Suunto race s is perfect. Thank you.

[@joeschmidhofer2674]

Epix gen 1 still going strong. Wake me up when this is 70% off in four years and I’ll upgrade

[@melwtan]

I saw that Garmin put in the dive feature and had to come listen to what you had to say about it. I'm safe this year and looks like there's no good reason to change from my Descent MK2. I kinda do wish that they standardize the charging cable between the Descent and Fenix.

[@formaxformax]

Thanks alot for your hard work and accurate review!

[@BhavaSindh]

Great review as always. But if you are not a Scuba diver (which I am not), I do not really see a need to update from my Fenix 7X Solar. I do not see myself talking to my watch in the wilderness.... The LED light and the touch were a welcomed addition from Fenix 6, and I use them daily. But now, I am missing the features that would prompt me to update from a already very good watch. Hasn't failed me once in the last 2 1/2 years and has seen some action so far.

[@davidbraswell1481]

No thanks just on the price alone, I paid 1200 for the Epix Pro 51 mm and was terribly disappointed and will NEVER do it again. ill stay under 1,000. I do love the videos though thanks for your hard work!

[@ThomasHoffDE]

such a great review. thorough and as fast as possible. outstanding as usual

[@andrewthompson9206]

Sweet, now I can upgrade from the Fenix 5 to 6 while everyone else blows their money on this one 😉

[@Notagain640]

Nice work Ray. I was worried before I saw your review that it was going to be an automatic upgrade for me knowing that it would be expensive. However having seen whats new compared to my epix pro (which I love), I can see no reason to change. I hate talking to tech, I don't dive and I'm happy with my current UI. So, thanks, you just saved me a grand.

[@vasilis16011969]

I am the owner of the fenix 6X pro sapphire and quite happy, as far as the cycling and kayaking measurements I do, and I mean the minutes of intensity that are recorded and the results of the next day for what condition you are in. I always use an outer zone for better measurements, the hrm-pro plus, of course wearing the rollers on my wrist. So far so good. However, when I do free weights where the heart rate does not rise as much as in other sports, but the neuromuscular system receives significant stress by doing several kilos and many sets, the rollers it records a few minutes of intensity and in the end it shows that you have a low training load, regardless of whether you are tired the other day. Unfortunately, no sports watch or smartwatch can record muscle strain properly, if you do not raise your heart rate, which leads to wrong results. Logically, the same thing will happen with the fenix 8, so for me it is not worth the transition from 6 to 8, if the measurements are still in the same logic without being able to measure the neuromuscular strain.

[@marcc8305]

Definitely a subscriber and always like every video I watch. Best sports tech reviewer in the business!,,

[@MaydayMalone67]

I had the money ready because rumors said that Fenix 8 would have LTE, which would allow me to go training without taking my cellular with me. Unfortunately this is not the case, so I’ll stick to my Fenix 6, which works fine, and wait to see if Fenix 9 brings LTE once and for all.

[@appleseeds11]

You get a like just for the great t-shirt. The helpful review was a bonus. 😄

[@edandersen]

Why isn’t this just the Garmin live event lol.

[@trailzrock2]

Because Ray talks about the negative stuff too :)

[@jbhorner]

That'd be awesome. "Here's our new device. We don't think it is worth the price increase, but we're going with it anyway. On the plus side, it's incrementally better than the prior versions!"

[@stefanboheme]

Thanks a lot for this review. You assured my decicion 100%ly, to grab the fenix 7X pro on sale. The 8 is almost the same but way more expensive. Hopefully the fenix 9 will be a way more innovative one.

[@monobboard]

The prices are insane.

[@Kaevinlaw]

Bought the Fenix 7 sapphire solar when it came out. Will keep using it until the battery cannot hold long enough for a race. While the mic/speaker and voice call on watch is nice that you don't need to pull your phone out from a bag/pocket, it is not enough to drive me to upgrade.

[@thadlogan51]

To me it appears to be a big step up with the added features. To buy a decent dive computer alone that would cost $300 and up. And the display is night and day more vibrant and beautiful than the previous Fenix models. The phone calling option is also a big improvement...though I'm not sure why them don't partner with a phone company so they can add standalone phone coverage without having to have your cell phone nearby. I've often said that when the apple watch can make a watch where the battery lasts waaaay longer than a day... which currently sucks in comparison to Garmin batteries...and add good offline maps then they will put Garmin watches out of business. But if Garmin can add standalone cell coverage for their watches they will leave Apple in the dust. If I went scuba diving more often then I would definitely want this. And for such a beautiful display the battery life is impressive. For instance I'm gps only power saver mode I believe the battery will last more than 130 hours. My Fenix 6x solar in comparison will last 120 hours in same gps low power mode. Will I swap my 6x for the 8? Will no... because I'm not willing to spend $1,200 when mine is still so good... and I could buy one like mine used for less than $350. When the 8 had been out for over a year and I can get one for maybe $500 used then maybe buy one... unless I start scuba diving more and need a dive watch sooner. My wife just bought a 965 that seems to have everything the 8 had, except for the dive feature, metal casing, and the 965 battery didn't last as long... but you can buy the 965 on sale for less than half the price...

[@Matty7272]

Glad I didn't wait for the Fenix 8 after seeing that entry price and got my Fenix 7 Pro Solar while on sale. That's crazy!

[@slovakiaroberto]

Solar 51mm is the best choice if u want have nice screen and long life battery

[@JeepinNation]

My fenix 8 47mm sapphire will arrive tomorrow. The speaker and talk features sold me on it. I'll keep it for more than the 2 normal years I keep a Gramin watch. I normally get a new one every 2 years and I have the Forerunner 955 which is my mostly used watch and the Fenix 6x pro as my backup occasionally watch. I'm giving the Fenix 6 to a buddy when the Fenix 8 arrives, can't wait

[@sandiegojoey1]

This to me feels a lot like cable TV charging people for having hundreds of channels, even though we won't use more than ten of them. Garmin is giving us a bunch of things that very few people will use. Meanwhile, the thing we WOULD use is completely customizable and nameable activities. And, an Ai interface for Connect that allows us to ask questions about our historical data. I see no reason to upgrade from my Fenix 6 Pro. Another cool feature idea would be voice guided maps (like Google Maps), and voice guided lactate threshold testing and voice guided training plans.

[@xuchenglin6256]

I agree with the first part. But what's wrong with text??? What's the real advantage of "voice" guide when it's something as simple as a LT test or "run @4:30/km for 10 minutes"??? What's the cool in this???

[@sandiegojoey1]

@@xuchenglin6256 I really like the feature that Garmin has that tells me my pace every minute while I’m listening to my music or podcast. When doing the lactate threshold test, it was hard to keep glancing at my watch over and over to make sure I was in the heart zone. I just thought it would be really nice if a Garmin coach would take me through the testing

[@60beats44]

Always worth considering that the batteries in these watches are NOT replacable, even though they have screws on the bottom plate. I have owned several Garmin HRM’s over the years and the latest, my Fenix 6 Sapphire was by far the most expensive. It’s battery has now deterioated to an extent that I would struggle to record a marathon with it (PB 2:56). I just can’t afford to buy a new $1,000 plus watch every few years or so and then throw the failing device into a recycling bin. Just does not fel right. So, think twice before spending in excess of A$2,000 on the Fenix 8 51mm flagship.

[@247geoffers]

Glad I bought the Tactix

[@artemloginov9393]

Thanks dude, waiting for the enduro 3 review. I was collecting money for the enduro 2, but now will continue with 3 in mind :)