For a number of years Garmin would launch an annual replace to its do-everything Fenix line and likewise to its Epix line which was, successfully, only a Fenix with an AMOLED display screen. Effectively Garmin lastly determined to consolidate and the Fenix is now the one line to rule all of them. And I imply that, as a result of it is extremely actually the perfect watch I’ve ever worn, nevertheless it comes with a hefty price ticket. Not solely are you able to now select between a vibrant and colourful AMOLED display screen or a solar-charging show with mind-boggling battery life, however there are some new options that make the newest Fenix much more versatile.
For starters, the Fenix 8 has cribbed the depth sensor from its Descent line, which suggests this on a regular basis watch now works as a full-on dive pc from leisure scuba in addition to freediving. The watch additionally now includes a microphone and a speaker. This lets you make some primary voice instructions (begin an exercise, change modes, set a timer, open stopwatch, and so on), document voice notes, and even reply a telephone name which I used a few occasions whereas I used to be showering (observe: nonetheless no mobile connectivity, although, which is a bummer). It additionally has a built-in LED flashlight (three ranges of white and one purple for sustaining evening imaginative and prescient) which I ended up utilizing on a regular basis. It additionally has built-in topographic maps, 24/7 well being monitoring, 15+ day battery life, and monitoring for over 100 completely different actions.
The Fenix 8 is available in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes and is out there in each AMOLED and Photo voltaic display screen choices. Personally, I feel AMOLED is the best way to go as a result of it seems so good and charging it as soon as each two weeks isn’t an enormous deal, however for those who’re going to be doing a little month-long treks within the hinterlands, the 51mm Photo voltaic version begins with a full month of battery life (as much as 48 days with common publicity to the solar). It’s costly, nevertheless it’s unbelievable.—Brent Rose