Is the Gamin Fenix 8 Great Again? (vs Epix, Fenix 7, Apple Watch Ultra)

Summary

In this video, the speaker evaluates the Garmin Phoenix 8, noting significant improvements in stability but acknowledging persistent minor bugs. While the Phoenix 8 is now a reliable choice for athletes and adventurers, Garmin's Phoenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro still offer stable alternatives. The speaker also compares the Apple Watch Ultra 2, highlighting its superior convenience, better daily wearability, and safety features like fall and crash detection. For those seeking a versatile smartwatch that can handle casual hiking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is recommended, while Garmin models remain ideal for more serious outdoor navigation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 has improved significantly with firmware version 1190, but occasional bugs like random reboots still persist in less critical areas.
• 😀 The Phoenix 8 is now stable enough for purchase, especially if you want the top-of-the-line Garmin watch, though minor issues like battery drain and screen dimness are still present.
• 😀 Users have praised the Garmin Phoenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro for their reliability, with the Phoenix 7 Pro being particularly stable at the time of review.
• 😀 The reviewer prefers the Epix Pro for its seamless navigation, which automatically integrates navigation screens into the regular display, unlike the Phoenix 8.
• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 is ideal for serious outdoor adventurers who need advanced navigation features, but its random reboots may be an inconvenience for some users.
• 😀 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a versatile daily-use smartwatch with great emergency features like fall detection and crash detection, which are not present in Garmin watches.
• 😀 Battery life on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is good for both daily use and long outdoor activities, with the option to charge it during a shower for minimal maintenance.
• 😀 The Garmin Phoenix 8 excels in offline navigation, with pre-loaded maps for continents, a feature the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lacks, though offline maps can be managed on the latter via Apple Maps.
• 😀 The reviewer finds the Apple Watch Ultra 2 more convenient for day-to-day use, offering smart features like offline Siri and task management, which the Garmin models don’t provide.
• 😀 For users seeking a smartwatch that works for both hiking and everyday use, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great option, though the Garmin models are better for extensive outdoor activities with rugged durability.

Q & A

Is the Garmin Phoenix 8 now stable enough to purchase?

Yes, according to the reviewer, the Garmin Phoenix 8 has improved significantly with firmware updates, making it stable enough for daily use, especially with the top-of-the-line Phoenix model. However, there are still some minor bugs, like random reboots, that mostly occur in non-critical functions.

What are the main bugs still present in the Garmin Phoenix 8?

The main bugs still present in the Garmin Phoenix 8 include random reboots, mainly when navigating deep settings such as the map manager. However, these reboots do not occur during critical activities like saving or tracking an exercise.

How does the Garmin Phoenix 8 compare to older models like the Phoenix 7 Pro or Epix Pro?

The Phoenix 8 is a more advanced model, but some users may prefer the stability of the Phoenix 7 Pro or Epix Pro. While the Phoenix 8 has improved, the Phoenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are still solid choices, with fewer issues reported in the support forums.

Has the Garmin Phoenix 7 Pro or Epix Pro had any issues after firmware updates?

Yes, after firmware updates were released for the Phoenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro, users reported new issues, including screen problems and battery drain. However, these issues are not as severe as the ones initially faced by the Phoenix 8.

What features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does the reviewer appreciate for outdoor activities?

The reviewer appreciates the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its long battery life, offline maps, and convenience features like the action button for navigating between screens. It also has fall and crash detection, which is a critical safety feature.

What are some limitations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 compared to the Garmin Phoenix 8?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 lacks pre-loaded offline maps for global navigation and doesn't offer turn-by-turn directions like the Garmin Phoenix 8. It also doesn't have the same level of customization for tracking outdoor activities, but it makes up for it with its convenience features and smart capabilities.

What is the major safety advantage of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the Garmin Phoenix 8?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has fall and crash detection, which can trigger an SOS call via cellular or satellite if needed. This is a significant advantage for safety, especially when hiking or in emergency situations, as the Garmin Phoenix 8 lacks these features.

How does the Garmin Phoenix 8 handle navigation differently from the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Garmin Phoenix 8 automatically integrates navigation screens into the regular screen flow when navigating, which is more streamlined compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, where users have to manually set up navigation screens or use third-party apps like Footpath for navigation.

What kind of workarounds has the reviewer found for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during outdoor activities?

The reviewer uses the water lock feature and tap gestures to control the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in tough conditions like sweaty hands or wet conditions. Additionally, the Footpath app allows for offline map navigation, which compensates for the Apple Watch's lack of pre-loaded global maps.

What type of user might prefer the Garmin Phoenix 8 over the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Users who prioritize advanced outdoor sports features, such as detailed fitness tracking, rugged durability, and global map navigation, might prefer the Garmin Phoenix 8. The Phoenix 8 is also a better option for those who need offline maps pre-loaded for various continents, which the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lacks.