The perfect combination of smart technology and outdoor sports, Garmin Fenix 8 makes a grand debut

In recent years, outdoor adventures and daily exercise have become a way of life for many people. With the rise of smartwatches, we can now more scientifically and systematically measure every exercise data, and also provide us with different data information such as location and altitude when exploring the wilderness. However, for many outdoor sports "players", although smartwatches have many benefits, battery life has always been a headache. If a smartwatch needs to be charged multiple times, the actual user experience will inevitably be greatly reduced, especially during long outdoor trips where power supply environments are scarce. To address this issue, Garmin has launched a new product that not only has a long standby time but also provides strong support for outdoor enthusiasts. Users familiar with Garmin's product line know that the Fenix series has always been a classic product of Garmin's outdoor watches, as well as its flagship product, representing Garmin's latest technology and strongest capabilities in the field of outdoor sports. The earlier Fenix 7 Pro has already demonstrated its strength. So, what additional powerful features does the newly released Fenix 8 have? Let's take a look together. Screen, Material When it comes to the appearance design of the Fenix series, the first thing that catches our attention must be its dial. In order to cater to the vast majority of users, Garmin thoughtfully created three different sizes for the Fenix 8 series: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. This allows female users/those with slender wrists, the majority of ordinary consumers, and those who seek a large screen experience to choose the most suitable product according to their actual needs. The Fenix 8 series offers two versions: the MIP solar version and the AMOLED colorful version to meet the needs of different outdoor enthusiasts. It is also the first time the Fenix series has adopted an AMOLED screen. In terms of screen display, the AMOLED colorful version has clearer and more vivid color performance under normal lighting conditions, while consuming less battery power. It can last up to 29 days in smart mode. This time, the screen-to-body ratio has also been increased, and the display screen size of the smallest watch has been increased (from 1.2 inches to 1.3 inches for the Fenix 8 43mm small size, and from 1.3 inches to 1.4 inches for the Fenix 8 47mm medium size). The MIP solar version, with its low power consumption and high display characteristics, remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight. This time, it has been upgraded to a brand-new third-generation solar technology. Compared to the AMOLED version of the same size, the MIP version has about 70% higher battery life, achieving a battery life of up to 48 days, providing unprecedented reliable protection for outdoor adventure sports. If you often engage in long outdoor activities or, like me, are lazy to charge, then the MIP version is more recommended In addition to long battery life, the Fenix 8 series has also been upgraded for waterproofing this time, with updated touch-sensitive waterproof buttons. After all, outdoor sports are inevitably exposed to sweat erosion, and strict waterproof technology is needed for swimming in pools and open water bodies. The new sensor protection strip will protect the important sensors of the watch in various harsh environments, whether it's rain, streams, or even mud and sand. This time, a diving function has been added, and it has passed the EN13319 certification, supporting divers and free divers to dive to a depth of 40 meters. The additions this time include hardware (depth gauge and better sealed buttons) as well as software (all dive computer components). Garmin has been deeply involved in the field of dive computer watches for many years (to be precise, 7 years). The Garmin Dive app also has the ability to explore various dive sites, where you can upload photos for others to view and build collections around dive sites. This is somewhat like a diving version of Strava Maps/Routes, but limited to Garmin users. Given the huge user base of Garmin devices over the past 7 years, it covers a large number of dive sites. Image source: DC Rainmaker The materials of the fenix 8 series are tailored to different user needs. The stainless steel bezel is paired with a Corning Gorilla Glass screen; the sapphire glass mirror is paired with a DLC titanium alloy bezel that meets military testing standards for heat resistance, shock resistance, and waterproofing. In terms of straps, in addition to the basic silicone strap, there are also models with a titanium metal strap for the 47mm Amoled Prestige version and a chestnut leather strap for the 51mm Prestige version. The Enduro3 model introduced this time is a 51mm size with a super lightweight elastic knit strap. With excellent configuration, it can withstand extreme harsh conditions. UI Aspect For a professional sports watch, a rugged body and long battery life are just the basics. The rich built-in functions are the real competitive advantage. In this aspect, the Fenix 8 undoubtedly performs very well and has made some changes compared to previous generations. For example, the menu entry by swiping up has been changed to the notification center, and different types of messages are categorized and collapsed. This allows for quickly viewing urgent events and makes checking messages more convenient. Watch face editing: The menu in the settings page has also been rearranged, with commonly used items such as notifications and alerts, sound and vibration, and connections placed at the top. A focus mode has also been added. This way, you don't have to worry about unnecessary distractions during focused mental training or rest. Adjustments have also been made to the Start button page, where in the "Activities" module at the top, the Pin option allows setting the top three most commonly used activity items horizontally, with the menu key to open other activity content on the far right. I can add data of interest according to my needs, from basic heart rate and steps to advanced metrics like oxygen consumption and sports performance, making personal data clear at a glance At the same time, everyone can also edit the style and color matching of the dial based on personal preferences, and adjust the text size, which is very user-friendly. Notification Center: To be honest, I was somewhat surprised by the notifications. Aside from the basic notification function, with the Bluetooth connection to the phone, almost all instant messages received on the phone will be synchronized on the watch without any delay, almost simultaneously, and will remain in the notification bar. Even when I am tens of meters away from my phone, I can still receive instant message alerts, which is something my previous Apple Watch couldn't do. Activity Phase: On the activity page, whether it's satellites (GPS only, multi-frequency multi-star, multi-star system), training plans, or navigation, everything is clear at a glance, saving time as much as possible before each training session to achieve efficient training. Microphone and Speaker Support Voice Functionality In addition to the rich UI interface, the fenix 8 is also equipped with built-in speakers and a microphone. When paired with a compatible smartphone, you can make and receive calls on the watch using the phone's voice assistant function. Although the new call function has been added this time, it is currently limited to connecting with a phone. However, it can at least fulfill the long-awaited desire of many users to make and receive calls. Currently, it can support importing a list of 50 contacts from Connect or making calls using the keyboard dial. In addition, you can also activate voice commands on the watch, especially during workouts, to free up your hands. Just say commands like "start strength training" or "set a 5-minute timer" to increase efficiency. (Cycling) Map and Navigation Function Upgrade, Dynamic Round-trip Route Planning Whether it's traveling, daily life, or outdoor adventures, maps always accompany us. An accurate navigation undoubtedly provides us with convenience and safety. Therefore, the fenix 8 series all-round outdoor sports watch comes with detailed maps of mainland China and supports the installation of contour maps to help outdoor enthusiasts stay on the right path without getting lost. There is also a new option to quickly select various map layers and directly switch their display and hide them on the map page. This is very useful for Outdoor+ maps (satellite images) as you need to quickly switch between different map types, including other types of maps Before setting off, you can create or find existing routes in the Garmin Connect app and easily sync them to your watch for route planning. Alternatively, enter the destination in the Apple Maps and then choose to share it to the Garmin Connect app to sync it to the watch for navigation. When exploring outdoors, we can also use forward fork prompts or built-in altimeters, barometers, and electronic compasses for precise navigation. In the records, you can see that the fenix 8 accurately records my sports tracks (cycling, running tests), and can even distinguish which side of the road I am on. In professional outdoor sports scenarios, such high-precision positioning can not only help users determine their location, but also has extremely high practical value. I have a habit of night riding, and because I always like to challenge unknown routes, sometimes I may deviate from the predetermined route. The "dynamic round-trip route planning" of fenix 8 plays a key role at this time. Whenever I deviate from the route, it will create a brand new route along with my deviation track. This feature truly allows me to run outside without worries even if I deviate from the route. Detailed data also helps me understand where I am lacking and how to continue to improve. ! Garmin really provides many convenient functions for sports enthusiasts. In addition to the previous regular sports, the fenix 8 now also supports free diving and scuba diving, making it applicable to more scenarios compared to the previous generation. Compared to the previous coach mode, this update includes strength training plans and specialized strength courses. Under the strength training options, there are three different intensities: "Increase strength limit," "Enhance muscle mass," and "Exercise body." Users can choose from equipment such as barbells, squat racks, or simply use dumbbells for training. Finally, based on different training goals, users can select the corresponding training plan and follow a 6-30 week periodic training according to the system's recommendations. For each sport, there is a detailed individual training plan that allows for systematic training based on personal needs, helping individuals achieve their goals perfectly, which is what Garmin excels at. This is particularly suitable for beginners like me who have social anxiety but love fitness. However, it is important to pay attention to one's physical condition before exercising. Based on one's current health score and physical condition, it is essential to do physical training in advance before challenging outdoor activities. Other Functions In terms of sleep monitoring, Garmin presents sleep data clearly. In addition to sleep quality, it also provides a sleep score and recommendations. This aspect resonates with me as the competitive nature drives me to challenge my sleep score every day, hoping to improve and motivate myself to sleep better. By exercising, real-time heart rate monitoring is a function that many watches on the market can achieve. Garmin, as a professional sports watch, can display my daily physical condition, thereby suggesting the intensity of training suitable for me today. After each exercise, the watch will record data and analyze my endurance score based on the data. This can indeed allow me to understand my current physical condition through the watch, which is quite good. In addition, it also adds quick access to some commonly used applications, such as WeChat and Alipay's scan-to-pay feature. You no longer need to long-press the start button in the upper left corner as before, which greatly facilitates the payment function. Simply bind it, open the menu, select Alipay, bind it through the Garmin app, then scan the QR code on the watch with Alipay, set a password, and you can use it. It also adds quick menus for viewing maps, playing music, making and receiving calls, training modes, etc., which can be freely sorted according to your habits Under the blessing of NFC technology, transportation cards, Alipay ride codes, WeChat Pay, and Alipay payments have made life more convenient. Moreover, the built-in LED flashlight allows me to have a portable light source in dark environments, which brings a lot of convenience to those who enjoy night outings and outdoor activities. It is worth mentioning that the Fenix 8 series has made significant updates to its map and navigation functions. For example, the new scale has become semi-circular or circularly distributed above the map, and there is a quick switch between the north and forward directions. It has also updated the function to search for nearby places, adding commonly used locations such as convenience stores, restrooms, and cafes. Alternatively, you can search for your destination on the phone map, send it to the watch via Connect, and then navigate. Another cool feature is that the Fenix 8 series has added a Garmin inter-transfer function, which allows the sharing of activity routes, locations, and training courses between two watches. This feature greatly facilitates training partners who usually train together. Summary Different from other smartwatches I have experienced before, the Fenix 8 takes a completely different approach. Its focus on outdoor sports "hardcore" is deeply reflected in its high durability appearance and rich detection functions. Compared to previous Garmin watches, the functions of the watches have been improved, the appearance is more exquisite, and the operation is more convenient, making it very easy for newcomers to get started. Overall, its professionalism makes it a must-have tool for professional outdoor sports enthusiasts. At the same time, its intelligent functions are very suitable for the needs of ordinary consumers, such as "dynamic round-trip route planning" and "voice assistant," making it able to cover a wider range of people