PUTTING FENIX 8 UPDATES To The TEST

[@noisetin]

I think you nailed the conlusion at the end of your video. People have the biggest problem not only with the fact that they get a product that is slightly better than the previous generation, with a weak processor and no groundbreaking features, but mainly with the fact that they get such a product at such a price. When you also realize that it has only just been released and will be on the market for at least a year, and in the meantime the competition will be releasing their watches, the gap will be even greater.

[@christiandenhartog9833]

I had a Fenix 8 and I brought it back and now have an Epix Pro for a very nice offer and I am totally happy with it! I couldn't stand all those problems for such an expensive watch, also switched to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for a while, but am still really a Garmin fan and very happy with the Epix Pro.

[@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14]

Does epix pro have torch?

[@thekurapl]

@@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14 Yes it has :)

[@antoniopaulo5071]

I've returned my Fenix 8 Amoled 47 a week after I bought it. The lagging was very anoying but that was not all; as a previous Epix Pro owner which performed like a champ, I felt a bit scammed when paid that amount of money for a Top of the market Sports Watch when in fact it's not Top at all... I'l wait for the next...

[@CyberEditing]

Really happy with mine. It has been a superb fitness preparation tool for my Himalayan climbing expedition in November.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for watching and hope your training is going well!

[@ismathem]

What kind of preparation does the watch helps you with for your expedition?

[@joaquinelectric1]

I don’t have any problem with mine better than apple ultra ., battery life is amazing 33% after 12 days

[@feistybastard]

I am sure Garmin will smooth out all the little bugs within 6 months and make improvements. Some of the stuff people complain about is really not that serious. There is one guy who posted a video complaining that they didn't spend more money in packaging as they did on the Fenix 6. How dare they use cardboard instead of rubber or plastic foam packaging! Take a look around...EVERYONE is cutting packaging costs. You toss it aside the second you open the box. Why do you care??

[@feistybastard]

@@ismathem Perhaps training hikes? Running? Strength training? Challenges?

[@heinzmuller8831]

It's quite possible that they're trying to find a compromise between processor performance and the watch's downtime. A more powerful processor would probably mean that the watch would have to be charged more often, more functions would also be at the expense of the processor and with the AMOLD version, this is also controlled by the processor, with MIP this is probably not as critical. I can therefore well imagine that if it is actually the same processor as the previous versions of the Fenix ​​7 and 7Pro, then they are gradually reaching the limits of what is possible. On the other hand, it's a watch, I don't have to rush through the menus like I do with a smartphone, I don't need animations or anything like that. First of all, it's important that the watch works stably and reliably and they seem to be on the right track here since the last update.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Yes you make some great points and I think others have brought up the same that performance comes at a cost (battery life). On the other hand Garmin has built up the UI to be more graphically intensive, which seems out of line with the current level of processing power they are offering. I wish I had caught a few of the animations as well because it's frequent that those can lag, so you are right that it isn't frequent in the day you are scrolling glances, but animations are displayed regardless of input (finishing activity, reaching daily goal, etc)

[@elzLeon]

New processor power is not the only concern. Garmin would have to relearn and rewrite all of they drivers software. This also means they might need to rewrite the whole OS or make a serious adjustments. This also means Garmin will have to maintain two incompatible branches of software.

[@DeeKay1911]

Yeah but not even a new chip at all for a whole new generation of watches just seems too cheap or lazy - A new chip could not only mean faster performance but also better efficiency and therefore better performance would not kill the battery

[@deanrwilson]

Typically a new processor often can introduce more power efficiency. The Amoled display does use more power. As these watches constantly introduce new features the complexity of the watch increases and therefore requires more work in terms of updates. This also increases the chances of having an issue to begin with. More bells and whistles will always do that

[@heinzmuller8831]

@@deanrwilson Unfortunately, the current version 11.89 also seems to have errors again. The main errors have been fixed, but now it seems that the solar version uses more battery than the AMOLED version. A test here on KZbin suggests this. The previous versions did not have this peculiarity, here it worked as described by the manufacturer that the solar version has a longer battery life, one reason why users choose this version of the watch.

[@os2171]

Garmin screwed up with Garmin Fenix 8… same processor? For $1200 and lagging? No way

[@dadandvideogames]

Really looking forward to your T-Rex 3 review, man. Keep fighting the good fight!

[@NICKMICHALINAKOS]

Very nice work and very nice presentation. The Fenix8 have a lot of work to do to improve the functions all-over the watch,till now the fenix 7x solar that I have before is much better than the new one. Hope Garmin solve the issues because is too expensive and don't working properly. Sincerely Nick from Greece. Keep going with good work and nice presentation's.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thank you Nick! I got to visit your beautiful country last year and loved my time there 🇬🇷

[@kristofigo]

In my eyes for me they fixed all the mayor issues that are important to me. HIIT timers are fixed, it IS running smoother. For me it’s now the watch how what i would expect it to be. But it will get better and better in the future of course.

[@GarminPro]

I think it’s pretty obvious that they are not clocking the processor very high, in order to maintain battery performance. If that’s what they are doing, I’m OK with having some reduced refresh rate on the user interface, to maintain the battery life.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for watching! I agree with that and wouldn't want to sacrifice battery (particularly on an OLED version), but I also don't think it's a refresh rate or sampling rate issue since the lists without data scroll perfectly well and respond well to touches. I think it really is just bumping up to the limits of the processor.

[@jaroslavsplichal97]

Hi, thanks a lot for the video. I would like to mention that my watch is not suffering from any lagging. It could be caused either by different OS versions or by custom stuff installed on your device.

[@ace_runner]

Dave, I’m so glad you mentioned your Fenix 8 crashed when you went to save an activity recently. I bought the Enduro3 thinking I would escape these problems, but nope. My Enduro3 crashed when I went to save a long run which made me think I did something wrong. Totally lost a run and the associated metrics. Glad I still have my Fenix7 Pro.

[@CoreyMarlin]

I’m generally satisfied with my Fenix 8 47mm. I believe the 47 is the ideal size for this year, but I’d love to see them incorporate a more recent chipset and increase the screen size to 1.6 inches on the 8Pro. It would have been great if this had been done with the Fenix 8 standard model.

[@thekurapl]

Honestly, I can't understand this "American's reviews and all over the world complaints". I live in Poland, switched from F7X Sapphire Solar. Only thing that I can see as donwgrade is battery life...from 14-16 days to 7-10(AOD - always)....except of it this watch is amazing. And comparison of display - to be honest MIP is 20th century...AMOLED is here and now. I wouldn't switch back.

[@UrbanArmed]

I’m glad all you Fenix 8 owners are beta testing and working out all the bugs. I’ll wait for the Fenix 8 Pro and keep rocking the Epix Pro gen 2 for now, works fine and I’m not spending over a grand for a watch with all these issues.

[@deepcoolclear]

Every new watch or phone has issues, these are all minor and that’s why there are SW updates. Same was with Epix gen 2

[@ActiveIdeas]

As always, awesome video Dave!

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for the support! 💪🏃

[@FranciscoGaxiola]

I have the solar version 51mm winning 11.89 and mine doesn't lag like yours. I get no lag in the widgets and it's smooth as you would expect.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Do you think that because yours is a MIP display that it doesn’t lag?

[@markocampo8979]

@@anthonyrampino7734 yes, lower resolution would mean the processor would technically work less. I’m assuming the hardware is the limitation for a buttery smooth interface. Main reason I went with MIP also , well, aside from then increase battery life.

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@markocampo8979 thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

[@j.d3229]

Mip forever

[@nosemellon]

Honest to god, I went from the galaxy watch ultra, pixel watch 3, trex 3 to the fenix 8 51mm….. beats them hand down….. it’s pricey, but worth every penny…. I just wish the speaker was better.

[@Davedublin]

I’m probably 80/20 The one thing that really bugs me is the pathetic watch faces. I thought I would have so much to chose from. To make it worse the pre installed ones are crap. I’ve bought a couple third party ones that have helped.

[@pmedic523]

As much as I was really excited for the Fenix 8 and wanting to upgrade from my original instinct solar, I agree and think that the processor has reached its limit. I’m probably going to be waiting to see what the tactix 8 is like but unfortunately most likely will be waiting a year and a half until the pro.

[@josejr.8671]

Fenix 8 models were so laggy that i went back to my apple watch and sticking with my enduro 2.

[@boblatkey7160]

I have no lagging problems at all

[@bigmaxcc]

“I went back to my Apple Watch” 😂 hell no there’s a good reason never get a AW crappy battery life the fenix 8 solar 51mm is king almost weeks since I last charged it 😎 garmin is king

[@noisetin]

I was waiting or this, thank you!!

[@maks_zbogar]

My Amazfit T-REX 3 has zero lag compared to Fenix 8.

[@jackhigh13]

On the start of the Chicago marathon my watch started 11.89 update🤬

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Nooooo! Pretty absolute worst possible time 😭 Hope you still crushed the race! One day I'll line up at Chicago! 💪🏃

[@jackhigh13]

@@DaveDoesFitness lucky after seconds remaining update finished and got around and happy to finish 😄

[@jeversace]

Just watched this and did the same fast scrolling as you did on the glances to test (as Ive never needed to do this). Mine is completely smooth even with added glances and folders. I also have the haptic feedback on so the watch is vibrating crazy while i flick scroll. I have the Amoled 47mm too. Maybe give yours a reboot after the update? Been a fantastic upgrade for me.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for watching and giving it a test. I'll try another reboot, never hurts to try!

[@markmcc1]

A little quirky but I wear it 24/7. Unlike the Ultra, this is a statement watch that lets people know you're a workout person. I think it looks great and the battery life, even on the 47 is fantastic.

[@stevehallesy]

great honest review its a shame some of the main influencers aren't so honest

[@CanInelli]

How long does it take for your F8 to lock in GPS signals? I am on my second replacement F8 47mm Solar because of GPS issues. My Epix Pro locks GPS in 5-6 seconds whereas F8 47mm Solar takes at least 2 minutes or more to lock GPS signals. I am running the latest software, I don't know if this is a common problem but both of the devices I tested have this issue.

[@leeharding8306]

Mines been flawless from day one and it’s much better than I expected.

[@andrejpetrovic8240]

Thats why I like my Fenix 7x mip

[@Kalimatullah_Yoh1-1.14]

What chip did they put into fenix? Did they upgrade the chip?

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for watching and good question! The chip is the same as the 7 Pro / Epix 2 Pro

[@JasonRaneses]

Garmin was already overdue for a processor update on the high end line. It’s beyond me why they chose not to, especially after raising prices. One thing they tend to do is try and cycle out old part inventory before upgrades come. It turns out to result in an experience like this that bites them at some point though.

[@thomaskustvik1171]

When it comes to not lagging when you swipe, is there a speed difference when updating the screens between an amoled and a MIP watch? The resolution between the two types of screens do differ. That would be interesting to know. I am about to buy one Fenix 8 watch. Also there are rumours that there will be a fenix 8 pro later on. Is that true?

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Hi Thomas, thanks for watching and good questions! From what I've read the MIP Solar models do not have any lag / stutter issues. I haven't tested one myself though. As for the 8 Pro, it is of course in development and the earliest I would think it could come out would be next Summer, but more likely for next Fall or end of the year.

[@Moose_338]

I think this watch is more so a sports watch then it is a smartwatch, you need to choose between the two, when looking at watches to buy. It's a distinction lots of people are missing. regardless of that I agree that price point is hard to swallow.

[@carlosjosesoto1868]

I still have hope Garmin can fix the many issues I have had with Fenix 8 AMOLED. Just yesterday mine crashed when I was about to start a half marathon race, then this morning there was no sleep data and my body battery was 5, it has crashed while navigating and while saving. It is a beautiful watch with too many issues that again I hope will be solved, but so far I feel that the price is just too high for what I got.

[@pascalhibon7928]

I'm still on the Fenix 6X Pro. There aren't many reasons for me to upgrade at this point. The only neat feature is the flash light but that alone does not justify the upgrade price. I'm curious about how the Enduro 3 is doing with all of this. The MIP's display is probably still the display I would go for anyway.

[@michaelpimenteljr3530]

I don't have any issues. Actives are solid.

[@ugursayan238]

I will continue to wait.. I don't want to buy wu 2. Come on garmin more updates. Better speaker sound when talking on the phone..... Again nice video thanks... (phone call speaker and microphone test would be great)

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Hey Dave, I appreciate the video. Now since you are using a amoled model, is all that you showed true for the MIP version as well?

[@DaveDoesFitness]

From what I've read the MIP does not have this issue, but I haven't been able to test one myself

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@DaveDoesFitness do you think that’s because the MIP uses less energy and less colors?

[@rideSYV246]

Like the Team-Hat hat! 😂

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Yes! You're the first one to recognize it 😈

[@661larry]

Yes price point is crazy but coming from the Fenix 6X 51mm I have zero complaints (other than price) 😂

[@stefanfeenstra2421]

Sad to hear they put development time in speed change for watch face. Who cares? I did that once to never use it again, it's a sports watch. The water temperature issue I understand, but what's the big deal. Ever tried putting the Fenix over your drysuit? I don't think one percent of the users will ever do that. I never experienced any scroll lags by the way.

[@Nosci20]

They should immediately change that processor their using asap that shouldn't be on a 1200 euro watch ever! even a 99 euro smartwatch is smoother than that 1200 euro garmin jeez! thats the only reason thats keeping me away from buying Garmin because of OS lagginess! im still waiting for the rumored 8 pro and if its the same processor then im gonna stick to my AWU2

[@ugursayan238]

There are dozens of complaints every day on Garmin forum, Facebook, KZbin... This update will come, that update will come... But every time an update comes, another problem occurs. Dear Garmin, instead of testing people like guinea pigs, wouldn't it be better if you did these tests before launching a device worth 1100 euros? Is it right to do this to thousands of people who bought the watch with great excitement and hope? (People don't collect 1200€ from trees...)

[@rulerofbeanvillage1716]

I’ve got the Fenix 8 solar 51, it doesn’t lag. I guess because it doesn’t have to load all those color screens.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

I have read that people with the MIP models don't seem to be affected. The displays are about half the resolution so I'd imagine they are less demanding on the processor. Thanks for watching and glad your watch is performing well! 💪🏃

[@noisetin]

@@DaveDoesFitness I can also confirm this from what I read on reddit. F8 Solar users not only do not have as many bugs as the AMOLED versions, but they also have a much smoother UI.

[@kisieloski]

Thank you for sharing this! METRONOME question. Anyone here having problems with metronome? When I try to use it for pacing my runs the sound alerts go out of rhythm all the time making this feature useless.

[@JoshyMore]

I just subscribed I love your videos very professional

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Thanks for subscribing! I'll keep working to bring quality content 💪🏃

[@360Link]

What is the name of that watch face? Tnx

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Garmin Fenix 8. Specifically the 47mm OLED version

[@dscasa32]

Excelente vídeo 👏👏👏

[@stefanconstantinescu1576]

Fenix 8 was made to steel Android and IOS users. There is way larger market than sports one In the sports market they are already leaders They tried this with Epix but Oled display was not enough. The regular smartwatch users needed a speaker, a less rugged more classy/sophisticated look, a nicer watch face, etc etc . They new exactly what to do with Fenix 8 and it is already a succes : the sales are more than predicted, and most of the customers are not former Garmin users but Apple watch and Android watch users

[@ozelhassan8576]

Dadman na na na na na na na na Dadman 😂😂, I love the T-shirt but as I’m not a dad it would be pointless in me getting one.

[@DaveDoesFitness]

lol glad you got a kick out of it. My son loves when I wear it 😂

[@ozelhassan8576]

@@DaveDoesFitness that’s Awesome. 👍👍

[@doctorkj5640]

This is really a disgrace for a company as big as Garmin to release unfinished and buggy product to the market. It seems like they’re so afraid of the competition so they rushed out the launch. I wonder how they tested the watch prior to release? Did anyone see the bugs or they just went like… ha, never mind let’s see how it goes and then we’ll fix the software if necessary….

[@JoshyMore]

Can you track the watch to find it if we lost it?

[@blackkugu5396]

zamanla bu hız sorununa çözüm üreteceklerine eminim artık yazılımla ada fenix 9 ile :)

[@rafibenatar2519]

11.89 it’s the latest as of now

[@Kees_vH]

Better to have a watch with software that is a bit less smooth than a watch with super smooth software that you have to charge after a day

[@markocampo8979]

The mip doesn’t lag

[@anthonyrampino7734]

How do you like the way the maps look on the MIP?

[@markocampo8979]

@@anthonyrampino7734 I like it. I had both the amoled and mip fenix 8 at one point. Yes, the amoled is more detailed but it does lag 1-2 seconds when I was using the map. For what you need , I think the mip is more than fine. Honestly, if you need an amoled screen, I would go for the trex 3. It’s nice, the only reason I sticked with garmin was because the solar isn’t covering the mip screen anymore. But yeah again I would go with trex 3 if you wanted amoled. I think the processor for the fenix 8 isn’t doing well with high resolution things.

[@BilloBob1231]

Oh really huge bugs in fenix 8.... so many issues with the fenix 7 that have not been resolved! What a surprise

[@boblatkey7160]

I have absolutely absolutely no issues at all

[@MJMImages]

I’ve owned it since day one release and had zero issues. Love the Fenix 8.

[@JoshyMore]

We will see this watch at Ross for $20 in a couple months…🤭

[@DaveDoesFitness]

lol let me know if you ever see it for that price! I'll get one for each wrist and maybe each ankle 😂

[@samuel4568]

I have moved from the apple ultra to Garmin fenix 8. I’m happy with the change.

[@dimi-88]

Fenix 8 is a big crap watch.This lagging is unbelievable for that price.I return it back and keep my apple watch ultra.Garmin is a joke😢And you forget to say that crap microphone you can hear nothing 😂Come on garmin no way😅

[@morriemariani9646]

Garbage watch. Returned mine. For the money it's friggin useless.

[@4bearsi678]

You get a thousand dollars worth of out dated and pathetic with the Fenix 8

[@deepcoolclear]

Says the apple fan boi

[@taufiqcorvin]

Literally kept crashing and restarting as I was starting the garmin 10k race yesterday at the starting line. Just minutes before the flag off. Had to use the normal run activity instead. 🫠

[@DaveDoesFitness]

Oh no! That's a stressful way to start a race 😞 Was that with a Fenix 8 on production software? Hope you crushed the race anyway! 💪🏃