Fenix 8 Impressions
After a month with the Garmin Fenix 8 watch, I want to share my impressions. While this isn’t meant to be a comprehensive review — DC Rainmaker already provides unmatched in-depth coverage. I’ll focus on my transition from the Apple Watch ecosystem and whether the Fenix 8 lived up to its premium price tag.
(Image credit: DC Rainmaker)
I opted for the 47mm AMOLED Sapphire Titanium model with a Spark Orange/Graphite Silicone Band. The watch size fits my wrist perfectly, though I needed to adjust the default font size during initial setup for better readability.
For athletes and data enthusiasts, this watch excels in ways that distinguish it from the Apple Watch. The morning reports have become part of my daily routine, offering insights through features like body battery monitoring and training readiness assessments. The coaching capabilities — including daily workout suggestions, sleep coaching, and Pace Pro — have genuinely enhanced my training.
The user interface and watch face takes a bit getting used to. I recently changed from the default watch face to Radial Precision, which displays my essential metrics: body battery, heart rate, stress level, steps, endurance score, temperature range, battery level, and date.
To better understand the watch’s extensive features, I uploaded the manual to NotebookLM, though I’m still discovering new capabilities, particularly in mapping for hiking.
The most striking improvement over my Apple Watch has been battery life. Instead of multiple daily charges, I now go a full week between charges, even with the always-on display. The built-in flashlight, which I frequently use for nighttime grilling, has proven surprisingly useful.
Despite concerns about software stability raised on Reddit, my experience has been rock-solid, with several smooth automatic updates. The voice interface is hit or miss.
Having both a Garmin cycling computer and watch has streamlined my fitness tracking into Garmin Connect, leading me to discontinue my Strava Premium subscription.
Bottom line: The Garmin Fenix 8 has exceeded my expectations, despite its premium price point.