Garmin - fēnix 8 Solar 51mm

I initially bought the Epix Pro as my first Garmin watch, but I was disappointed with its performance. It felt like a device from a decade ago. I then returned and replaced it with the Fenix 8. If I had bought the Epix a year ago, I wouldn’t have upgrade it. However, as my first device, I think it’s fair to invest a little more in it. F8 47mm is more responsive 0.1 inch bigger screen with remarkably better resolution than same size epix pro gen2

I like my Fenix 8 as I also run 2-3x week, weightlifting 2-3x week and bike ride once a week. I find it fits my needs perfectly.

I think gw5 pro is a of the battery for the galaxy watch. Traded in for gw7 ultra and similar battery performance as the gw5. Just got me Fenix 8 51 mm.. not much of an athlete, but used mostly for notifications, steps, HR and sleep tracking. I have charged it fully for 14 days ago, and the battery life is at 68%... It's not bragging or comparing, but I used to charge Samsung every 3rd day before the shower.

Garmin Fenix 8 - best damn battery Life

Well it last roughly 3+ weeks but I am using it strictly as the smart watch and health metrics - not using it's full potential..

I love Apple and Garmin products, and I’ve been waiting for the Ultra 3 release to replace my Apple Watch Series 9. Here’s where my AWS9 falls short for me: camping and hiking because of battery, maps and navigation while biking and hiking, and the dynamic running workout suggestions that Garmin has. I can get Fenix 8 Solar for $880 through a discount with my health insurance which makes it comparable to AWU3. Things I like about Fenix 8 Solar: maps, battery, daily suggested workout, Garmin coach, MIP screen doesn’t look like a mini phone on my wrist. Things I like about AWU3: being reachable by my wife and kids while running and cycling, running errands sans phone, love the design, my watch bands will fit, my Apple Music subscription works, etc. I feel like the AWU3 fits my actual day to day better than the Fenix; although, when I do make it out for that couple times a year backpacking trip, Fenix is the clear winner. But on the day to day I mostly am tracking running and weightlifting. And a weekend gravel bike ride. Anybody have both?

Tough decision for sure. I agree with both of you. I also have a Garmin biker computer and Varia lol. Enduro 3 is really the ideal Garmin watch for me - I just wish they made a 47mm variant which I why I was leaning Fenix 8 Solar.

The Fenix 8 47 feels a little bigger than my Venu 4 but I think it was worth the trade in. This one feels more like a watch than a fitness tracker and isn’t as delicate as the Venu (confirmed after some accidental bumps). Sharing some love for the Quatix 8 watch face too; my go-to look for the office. Overall, quite happy with the trade in and looking forward to being more active now recovering from my spine related issues 🤞

I had the Venu 4 for exactly 10 days. They didn’t deduct any amount at all, I just paid the difference. If you don’t feel 100% satisfied with Venu, I’d recommend you go for a Fenix too, life’s too short for what-ifs. I know it’s twice the amount but you’ll probably keep it for a few years so it’s all worth it in the end. Venu is good option, don’t get me wrong, and it will do the work it needs to. BUT you’ll not really enjoy it

Tbh for my use there’s not a lot of additional features in the Fenix that weren’t there in the Venu. The sapphire vs gorilla glass is a big difference, so is the screen size. Venu has a more vibrant screen though. Battery life is similar. Presence of buttons on Fenix helps but it’s not a game changer. There’s no comparison in looks, this looks way better. Had Venu got a sapphire screen I probably wouldn’t have traded it. I think if you want a premium feel then Fenix is the way to go.

I use a Fenix 8 but only because I'm not on the Apple ecosystem, at ALL. If Samsung got their shit together, made a rectangle watch like the Ultra and battery lasted 3 ish days, i'd jump ship from Fenix 8 to the Samsung Ultra in a heartbeat.

I had a Fenix 5 for 7 years, which still works and never had any issues. Bought a Fenix 8 recently, till now also never had any issues. I have no idea how can be charging less convenient, if you have to charge it every 2-3 weeks as opposed to every day, lol

There is Garmin Swim (IMHO essentially it is a ForeRunner, but swim has been put in focus; review here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/garmin-openwater-review.html). However, modern Garmin watches are all able to track pool swim as well as gym workouts (you might have to set exercises later in the app if you want to track muscle groups affected). Essentially ForeRunner is for runners mostly, Forerunner 9xx is focused on triathlon, Fenix is mostly for outdoors - but again, all of them can do almost the same. I’d go with Fenix if budget allows.

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct