Garmin takes its Fenix ​​and Enduro watches to the next level with exciting new features

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 Fenix8Garmin offers buyers both options: an AMOLED display or a Memory in Pixel (MIP) display with solar charging.

In addition, there is an internal speaker and microphone, so you can now use your Fenix ​​​​8 to make calls with a paired smartphone and even execute certain voice commands without a phone connection.

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I know many people prefer the vibrant AMOLED display, but I keep coming back to the always-on MIP with longer battery life in the Enduro 2. In addition to the new Fenix ​​​​8 series, Garmin has released the Enduro3 to be the leading manufacturer of GPS sports watches in the battery space. The Enduro 3 is similar to the Enduro 2 but has improvements including longer battery life for ultra athletes.

Fenix ​​lovers can now choose which display type they prefer, and the new Fenix8 also means the end of the Epix range, which was essentially a Fenix ​​​​with an AMOLED display. However, battery life suffers from the AMOLED display. For the 51mm model, Garmin estimates battery life at 29 days for AMOLED and 48 days for MIP.

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The LED flashlight is one of the main reasons I always wear a Garmin watch, and this hardware feature is present on both the Fenix ​​8 and Enduro 3. So far, no other GPS sports watch has this feature, and until someone else does, I will always wear a Garmin on one wrist.

We have already seen a speaker and a microphone on Garmin’s Venu watch and these hardware elements help the Fenix ​​compete directly with smartwatches. During workouts, it’s convenient to keep cycling or running and answer a call at the same time, rather than pulling out the phone and interrupting your workout. The microphone and speaker also allow you to say things like “save waypoint” or “set timer for 5 minutes” and have your watch perform these actions without a 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. There’s new sensor protection with spill-proof buttons that support a 40-meter dive rating for scuba and freediving. In terms of software, the graphics have been updated and a new map interface supports customizable map layers and dynamic round-trip routing.

The Garmin Fenix ​​​​8 AMOLED comes in three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. The solar-powered MIP model also comes in 47mm and 51mm. Retail prices start at $999.99 for the smallest AMOLED model and $1,199.99 for the 47mm solar model. The AMOLED model’s claimed battery life is 10 to 29 days, while the MIP models run between 29 and 48 days.

The Garmin Enduro 2 has been my faithful companion for two years and continues to motivate me to stay healthy. Although I do not participate in ultra-long runs, I rarely have to charge it due to the extended battery life of the Enduro 2, and the new Enduro3 takes it a step further with an improved solar lens. I can’t express how satisfying it is to wear a watch every day but only have to worry about charging it once or twice a month.

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The Enduro 3 is only available in a 51mm watch, perfect for my large wrists. Garmin claims a battery life of up to 320 hours in GPS mode. The beautiful and comfortable UltraFit nylon strap is included with the watch and I can’t say enough good things about it. Even with a large watch and a wide strap, I hardly notice I’m wearing a watch.

The same software improvements found on the new Fenix ​​8 series are present here, and the LED flashlight shines brightly too. Insights into VO2 max from trail runs, gradient-adjusted pacing, and the NextFork feature help you reach your goals. Targeted 4- to 6-week strength training plans are also available, and athletes can select workouts for ultrarunners, cyclists, hikers, and runners.

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The 51mm Garmin Edge 300 is available for $899.99. It has the same black case with cool lime green accents around the dial and top right button.