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Garmin continued its tradition of catering to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with innovative upgrades when it officially launched the Fenix 8 line in August. The Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar bring a number of new features and enhancements designed to solidify Garmin's leadership in multi-sport smartwatch technology. Let's take a closer look at what's new in the latest version of the Fenix line.

1. AMOLED Display
The Garmin Fenix 8 now features an AMOLED display on standard models. This display upgrade marks a long-awaited shift in Garmin's basic Fenix line, offering a vivid, high-contrast screen with true blacks and impressive visibility in varying lighting conditions.

The 43mm and 47mm versions of the Fenix 8 come equipped with a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen, boasting a sharp 454 x 454-pixel resolution. This makes navigating menus, reading data, and engaging with the smartwatch’s features a more visually appealing experience.

For those who prioritize longer battery life, Garmin has retained its signature memory-in-pixel (MIP) display in the Fenix 8 Solar. This model also offers solar charging capabilities, making it ideal for users looking for maximum endurance during long outdoor activities. The Fenix 8 Solar is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, with a 1.3-inch MIP display and a 260 x 260-pixel resolution.

2. Battery Life
The standard Fenix 8 can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, while the solar model extends this by an additional five days, thanks to the revamped solar technology. Garmin claims that the solar panel in the Fenix 8 Solar is 50% more efficient, significantly improving energy capture during sunlight exposure.

In GPS mode, the battery life also sees significant gains. The Fenix 8 Solar can last up to 92 hours (51mm model) in GPS-only mode, while the AMOLED version provides up to 43 hours of GPS usage. These improvements make the Fenix 8 series highly reliable for extended outdoor adventures where access to charging may be limited.

3. New Features for Fitness
The Fenix 8 series introduces several new fitness-centric features. It comes with targeted strength training that provides tailored workout programmes for specific sports. This makes it easier for users to focus on training routines that will directly improve their performance in activities such as running, cycling or swimming.

Additionally, it also comes with Garmin Share, a feature that allows for seamless data sharing between devices, making it easier to collaborate with fellow athletes or trainers. The smartwatch also supports expanded navigation capabilities with QZSS and BEIDOU positioning systems, ensuring precise tracking even in remote areas.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Fenix 8 series brings dive-specific functionality, allowing users to engage in scuba diving and apnea activities. With leakproof buttons and a sensor guard, the smartwatch can handle depths of up to 40 meters. The watches are also tested to meet military standards for durability, making them highly resistant to tough environments.

4. Audio Features
The Fenix 8 series now comes with a built-in speaker and microphone. This allows for basic voice assistant interactions, taking calls directly from the wrist, and recording voice notes. Garmin has even added an offline voice assistant feature, enabling users to execute simple commands like starting a workout or setting a timer without needing a connection to their phone.

5. Design and Durability
The Fenix 8 is designed for maximum durability. Alongside the new sensor guard, Garmin has also introduced a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and an extremely durable titanium frame option. This makes the smartwatch well-suited for harsh outdoor conditions, where durability is critical for long-term use. Additionally, a built-in LED flashlight is included, offering extra visibility during nighttime activities.

6. Pricing and Availability
Like previous Fenix models, the Fenix 8 series comes with a hefty price tag. The base Fenix 8 starts at $999.99, while the Fenix 8 Solar starts at $1,099.99 and goes up to $1,199.99 depending on configuration. The smartphones are available worldwide through Garmin's official channels and select retailers.