After 100 Days, Is the The Garmin Fenix 8 Worth It?

Summary

In this detailed review of the Garmin Phoenix 8, the reviewer shares their experiences after 100 days of use. They praise the watch for its durability, accuracy, and a range of new features like a built-in microphone, speaker, and optical heart rate sensor. However, the review also highlights concerns with the new user interface, which some may find less intuitive, and notes the absence of LTE connectivity. While the Phoenix 8 offers advanced features like multi-band GPS and dive capabilities, the reviewer suggests exploring more affordable alternatives like the Garmin Enduro 3 or Epix Gen 2, depending on individual needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 is a highly durable watch, made with titanium and sapphire crystal, which holds up well over time without significant scratches.
• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 has a new user interface, but the reviewer finds the changes less helpful, with some additional clicks required to start activities.
• 😀 The Phoenix 8 includes a microphone and speaker for limited voice features, but lacks LTE capabilities, relying on the phone for connectivity.
• 😀 The Phoenix 8 can track scuba diving, apnea, and snorkeling with features such as depth gauge, dive time, compass, and safety stop alerts.
• 😀 The Elevate Optical heart rate sensor on the Phoenix 8 is one of the most accurate optical sensors, as demonstrated in side-by-side comparisons.
• 😀 Garmin's new multi-band GPS chipset in the Phoenix 8 enhances GPS accuracy, especially in urban environments with tall buildings.
• 😀 The Phoenix 8 features Garmin's 'sat IQ' mode, intelligently switching between GPS modes for optimal accuracy and battery life, which can last 28-30 hours in GPS mode.
• 😀 The watch can also track blood oxygen saturation and perform ECG readings, which were recently enabled for users in the EU and Australia.
• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 offers a solar option with a memory-in-pixel display, and Garmin also offers more affordable alternatives with great battery life, like the Enduro 3 and Epix Gen 2.
• 😀 While the Phoenix 8 is a great watch, there are other Garmin models that offer similar or better features at lower prices, such as the Garmin Enduro 3 ($900) and Epix Pro ($700).

Q & A

What are the main materials used in the Garmin Phoenix 8, and how durable are they?

The Garmin Phoenix 8 features a titanium back plate, a titanium bezel, and a sapphire crystal front lens. These materials are chosen for their durability, and the watch has held up well without noticeable scratches or major issues after 100 days of use.

What is the significance of the new anodized sensor cover on the Garmin Phoenix 8?

The anodized sensor cover on the right side of the Garmin Phoenix 8 protects the barometer and newly added speaker and microphones. It helps prevent damage while maintaining the functionality of critical sensors like the air pressure sensor and depth gauge.

How has the user interface of the Garmin Phoenix 8 changed compared to earlier models?

The user interface of the Garmin Phoenix 8 has undergone minor changes, making it a bit more user-friendly for new users. However, some users may find the changes not as helpful, such as needing an extra click to start activities or navigate through menus.

What new features does the Garmin Phoenix 8 offer in terms of voice functionality?

The Garmin Phoenix 8 comes with a new microphone and speaker, allowing users to interact with their smartphone’s assistant or make voice notes. However, it lacks LTE capabilities, so phone connectivity is still dependent on having a smartphone nearby.

Does the Garmin Phoenix 8 have any functionality related to water sports or diving?

Yes, the Garmin Phoenix 8 is dive-rated to 40 meters and supports scuba diving, apnea (free diving), and snorkeling. It can display data like depth, dive time, and safety stop notifications. However, this feature is more relevant to divers and not commonly used by all users.

How does the Garmin Phoenix 8's heart rate sensor compare to other devices?

The Garmin Phoenix 8 uses Garmin's fifth-generation Elevate Optical heart rate sensor, which is highly accurate. In tests, it performed similarly to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, with only slight differences, especially in the first mile of running.

What are some tips for improving the accuracy of the optical heart rate sensor?

To improve the accuracy of the optical heart rate sensor, wear the watch slightly above your wrist joint and snug it tighter before running. This ensures better contact and more accurate readings during activities.

What are the advantages of the Garmin Phoenix 8's multiband GPS?

The Garmin Phoenix 8's multiband GPS offers enhanced accuracy, especially in areas with tall buildings or challenging environments. It uses Garmin’s custom GPS antennas and firmware to provide more reliable GPS tracking compared to other devices without multiband support.

How does the Garmin Phoenix 8 handle battery life during activities like running and swimming?

The Garmin Phoenix 8 offers impressive battery life, providing 28 to 30 hours for GPS activities, making it suitable for long events like marathons or ultras. Using features like music playback will reduce battery life, offering about 10 hours of usage.

What are the alternatives to the Garmin Phoenix 8, and how do they compare in terms of price and features?

Alternatives to the Garmin Phoenix 8 include the Garmin Enduro 3, which costs $900 and offers excellent battery life but lacks some of the Phoenix 8's advanced features. The Garmin Epix Gen 2 and Garmin Epix Pro also provide good options with lower prices and different feature sets, such as better battery or flashlight capabilities.