Love the Fenix 8. Have used Garmin watches forever and all of the Fenix models. This one was pretty flawless when I got it. Then a software update broke Pace-Pro for racing. You would start a race and the ahead/behind would just freeze. All that changed was a software update. Then I had the same issue with the heart-rate monitor. Worked great forever, then an update made it so the wrist HR is way high, so I have to wear a strap to get accurate reading. Before that update, the wrist HR was very accurate. I wish they would have stability on these features, and also let folks know when they have known issues. Support just iterates through resets and won't say "we have a known issue there". So, good product, but software stability issues.
The basic function is the same as Fenix 6, but GPS and HR accuracy appears improved, an LED light is added and several additional functions are added, This is all in addition to the AMOLED screen with twice the resolution and vivid color that now adds pictures to push notifications. Oh, and the speaker / microphone and touch screen plus the buttons still work as before. It seems to me a quite a few smallish improvements that I really like. I just had to decide to spend the money, and I'm glad I did.
I have owned Garmin watches since the Fenix 6. The newest.Fenix 8 is incredible. I find it hard to exceed its abilities. Including the fact that it is my back up scuba diving computer. I wouldn’t wear anything else.
The Fenix 8 has helped motivate me to continue my passion for running and personal improvement. At 53, I’m still getting Personal Best runs following the Garmin recommended training runs.
Screen clarity and brightness are phenomenal. Watch functions are smooth, fast and very responsive to both button and touch actions. Battery life is great, daily activity tracked and took 20 days to get down to 30%.
AMOLED is such a good upgrade rom the Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire (solar). Found that as I get a little older, had a harder time seeing the day time. Such a good upgrade overall