Forget Apple Watch Ultra: My favorite Garmin of all time just got exciting new features

1 month ago 16

Garmin's Fenix watches have been the brand's flagship series for years, with the Epix offering an option for those looking for a brilliant AMOLED display. With the new Fenix 8, Garmin offers buyers both options: an AMOLED display or a Memory in Pixel (MIP) display with solar charging.

In addition, an internal speaker and microphone are present, so you can now use your Fenix 8 for phone calls with a paired smartphone and even carry out specific voice commands without a phone connection.

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I know many people prefer the vibrant AMOLED display, but I keep going back to the always-on MIP with longer battery life in the Enduro 2. In addition to the new Fenix 8 series, Garmin launched the Enduro 3 to serve as the battery leader for its GPS sports watches. The Enduro 3 looks similar to the Enduro 2 with enhancements that include longer battery life for ultra athletes.

Fenix lovers now get to choose which display type they prefer, and the new Fenix 8 also means the phasing out of the Epix line that was essentially a Fenix with an AMOLED display. Battery life does take a hit with the AMOLED, however. On the 51mm model, Garmin estimates 29 days of battery life for AMOLED and 48 days for MIP.

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The LED flashlight is a primary reason I always wear a Garmin watch, and that hardware feature is present on both the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3. No other GPS sports watch has yet adopted this capability, and until someone else does, I will always wear a Garmin on one wrist.

We have seen a speaker and mic before on Garmin's Venu watch and these hardware elements help move the Fenix closer to competing directly with smartwatches. While working out, it is convenient to continue biking or running while answering a call instead of pulling out your phone and pausing your workout. With the mic and speaker, you can also say things like "save waypoint" or "set a timer for 5 minutes" and have your watch perform these actions with no phone connection.

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There are also some hardware design improvements on the Fenix 8, including an improved solar charging display that provides 50% more solar power than the Fenix 7. A new sensor guard is present with leakproof buttons that support a 40-meter dive rating for scuba and freediving. In terms of software, the graphics have been refreshed, and a new map interface supports customizable map layers and dynamic round-trip routing.

The Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED is available in three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51 mm. The solar-charging MIP model is also available in 47mm and 51mm. Retail pricing starts at $999.99 for the smallest AMOLED model and $1,199.99 for the 47mm solar model. The AMOLED model's advertised battery life is 10 days to 29 days, while the MIP models run for anywhere between 29 days and 48 days.

The Garmin Enduro 2 has been my faithful companion for two years and continues to motivate me to stay healthy. Even though I don't compete in ultra-long runs, the Enduro 2's extended battery life means I've rarely had to charge it, and the new Enduro 3 takes that even further with an improved solar lens. I cannot express how satisfying it is to wear a watch daily but only worry about charging it once or twice a month.

Also: Why my Garmin Enduro 2's LED flashlight is my favorite feature

The Enduro 3 is available only as a 51mm watch, perfect for my large wrists, with Garmin advertising a battery life in GPS mode of up to 320 hours. That lovely and comfortable UltraFit nylon band is included with the watch and I cannot say enough good things about it. Even with a big watch and wide band, I barely notice I'm wearing a watch.

The same software improvements found in the new Fenix 8 series are present here, and the LED flashlight is also shining brightly. Trail run VO2 Max insights, grade-adjusted pace, and NextFork capability will help you achieve your goals. Targeted 4-6 week strength training plans are also available, and athletes can choose workouts for ultrarunners, cyclists, hikers, and runners.

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The 51mm Garmin Enduro 3 is available for a price of $899.99. It has the same black casing with cool lime green highlights around the face and top right button.

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