Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Fenix 7: Which GPS Smartwatch is Right for You?
Introduction
Garmin’s Fenix series has long been the gold standard for rugged GPS multisport smartwatches, beloved by outdoor adventurers, endurance athletes, and tech enthusiasts alike. The Garmin Fenix 7 set a high bar with its robust build, extensive tracking features, and exceptional battery life, becoming one of the top adventure watches of its time. Now enter the Garmin Fenix 8, the latest flagship, which promises even more – from a vibrant new display option to advanced training metrics and upgraded hardware. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore Fenix 8 vs. Fenix 7 across all key factors: design and display, features and performance, battery life, durability, and value. Our goal is to help you determine which GPS smartwatch is right for you based on real-world facts and expert insights. Let’s dive in!
(Before we delve deeper, you might also be interested in Garmin’s other models. For example, check out our comparison of the Garmin Instinct 3 vs. Fenix 8 if you’re considering a more budget-friendly rugged watch, or see how Garmin’s lifestyle lineup stacks up in Garmin Venu 3 vs. Garmin Venu X1 for a different perspective.)
{getToc} $title={Table of Contents} $count={Boolean} $expanded={Boolean}
Design and Display Differences
When it comes to look and feel, both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 maintain Garmin’s signature rugged aesthetic – but there are some notable updates in the newer model.
Build Quality and Rugged Design
Both watches are built to endure the harshest conditions. They feature fiber-reinforced polymer cases with metal (steel or titanium) bezels and backs, are water-rated to 10 ATM (suitable for swimming and even shallow diving), and offer scratch-resistant lenses (with sapphire crystal available on premium versions). The Fenix 7 already had a tank-like durability, but Garmin tweaked the Fenix 8’s construction for even more toughness. Each Fenix 8 now comes with leakproof metal buttons (using an inductive design that eliminates holes in the case) and a redesigned sensor guard that extends across more of the watch’s right sidewareable.com. By comparison, the Fenix 7’s buttons and sensor housing were already robust, but the Fenix 8’s new design further reduces potential entry points for water or dust. These changes aren’t dramatic to the naked eye, but they underline Garmin’s focus on reliability – especially if you frequently expose your watch to mud, rain, or even use it for scuba dives. (In fact, we’ll discuss the Fenix 8’s new depth sensor for diving in a later section.)
In terms of size options, Garmin traditionally offered three case sizes in the Fenix line – e.g. Fenix 7S (Small ~42mm), 7 (47mm), and 7X (51mm). Fenix 7 followed that pattern, but the Fenix 8 lineup adjusts the sizes slightly. The smallest Fenix 8 is now 43 mm (a touch larger than the 42 mm Fenix 7S) and importantly, this small size is only available in an AMOLED version. If you prefer the classic memory-in-pixel display, the Fenix 8 starts at 47 mm for those modelswareable.com. In other words, there is no 42 mm MIP Fenix 8; Garmin bumped the smallest model up by 1 mm and made it exclusive to the new screen technology. The standard Fenix 8 comes in 47 mm, and the largest remains ~51 mm (often dubbed Fenix “X”), similar to Fenix 7X. Despite these size tweaks, both generations wear similarly, with a chunky, solid presence on the wrist – great for those who appreciate an outdoor tool watch vibe, though possibly overkill for very small wrists.
Display: MIP vs. AMOLED Screen Options
Perhaps the biggest visible difference between Fenix 8 and Fenix 7 is the display technology. The Fenix 7 (and its 7S/7X variants) all use Garmin’s transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, which is not particularly high in resolution or contrast, but is ultra-efficient and easily viewable under bright sunlight. With the Fenix 8, Garmin introduced an AMOLED display option for the first time in the Fenix series, essentially merging the formerly separate “Epix” line (Garmin’s AMOLED sibling watch) into the Fenix familywareable.com, wareable.com. Now, when choosing Fenix 8 you have two display types: the traditional MIP (branded as “Solar” models, since they all include solar charging) or a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen.
The Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED (left) vs. Fenix 7X Pro MIP (right). The Fenix 8’s new AMOLED screen is significantly brighter, sharper, and more colorful, while the Fenix 7’s memory-in-pixel display is dimmer but extremely power-efficient. (Both shown in daylight).
The AMOLED on Fenix 8 is stunningly crisp and bright, especially compared to the older MIP. It boasts a resolution of 454 × 454 pixels, far higher than the Fenix 7’s 280 × 280 px MIP displaytreelinereview.com. This means text, watch faces, and maps on the Fenix 8 AMOLED look sharper and more vibrant. Colors “pop” and it’s easier to read in low-light conditions or at a quick glancetreelinereview.com. Garmin even added a Red Shift mode on the Fenix 8 AMOLED models, which can shift the interface to red/orange tones at night to preserve your night vision (useful for astronomers, campers, or anyone checking the watch in the dark)treelinereview.com. By contrast, the Fenix 7’s MIP screen, while not as rich in color, has the advantage that it’s always on and perfectly visible in sunlight without draining battery. It’s a transflective screen that actually uses ambient light to stay readable – ideal for midday hikes or runs.
Importantly, Garmin did not eliminate the MIP option in the Fenix 8. If you prefer longer battery life and constant-on visibility, the Fenix 8 Solar editions still use MIP panels (with Power Sapphire lens on sapphire models). Garmin says it retained these “old-school” MIP displays for users who prioritize battery endurance and sunlight visibilitywareable.comtreelinereview.com. In practical terms, the Fenix 8’s AMOLED models will give you a more modern smartwatch experience, closer to an Apple Watch or Garmin Venu in looks, whereas the Fenix 7 (and Fenix 8 Solar/MIP) maintain the more utilitarian screen that many adventurers trust. The AMOLED can be set to always-on as well (with dimming), but it will consume more battery – we’ll discuss battery life trade-offs shortly.
Summary: If display quality is high on your list – for example, you want to enjoy detailed maps on your watch or just love a high-contrast colorful screen – the Fenix 8’s AMOLED versions are a huge upgrade over the Fenix 7. On the other hand, if you’re used to the Fenix 7’s no-frills MIP display and its superb efficiency, you can either stick with Fenix 7 or opt for a Fenix 8 Solar (MIP) model to get other upgrades without sacrificing screen longevity.
Features and Performance
Both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 are feature-packed multi-sport GPS smartwatches with an exhaustive list of tracking modes and sensors – from hiking, trail running, triathlons, and skiing to everyday activity and sleep tracking. However, Fenix 8 introduces new hardware capabilities and software features that set it apart from its predecessor.
Sensors and Hardware Upgrades
On the sensor front, the core tracking hardware is similar between the two in many ways. Both have built-in multi-band GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo) for highly accurate positioning (the base Fenix 7 had it on Sapphire models; the Fenix 7 Pro and all Fenix 8 models have multi-band by default). Both use Garmin’s latest Elevate optical heart rate sensor (Fenix 7 Pro introduced the newer Gen4 HR sensor with improved accuracy, which Fenix 8 continues to usedcrainmaker.com). You get all the usual altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, and gyroscope sensors on both. In everyday use, GPS and heart-rate performance on Fenix 8 is on par with Fenix 7 Pro, which is to say excellent – tests show the Fenix 8’s GPS accuracy and HR tracking are among the best in class, matching the solid results of the Fenix 7 Pro and even keeping up with specialized devices like Apple Watch Ultra in challenging conditions. In short, tracking reliability remains top-notch on both, and if you’re upgrading from a base Fenix 7 to Fenix 8 you can expect similarly accurate data for runs, rides, swims, etc.dcrainmaker.com.
Where the Fenix 8 leaps ahead is in new sensor capabilities. One headline addition: a built-in depth sensor on all Fenix 8 models (except the budget “E” model) for scuba diving and freediving activitiestreelinereview.com. The Fenix 8 can automatically detect when you dive into water and measure depth up to 40 meters (the recreational dive limit)treelinereview.com, logging your dive data. The Fenix 7 lacks this ability – it’s water resistant but wasn’t designed for scuba tracking. Another hardware change is the inclusion of a speaker and microphone on the Fenix 8 (again, standard on all models except the Fenix E). The Fenix 7 series has no built-in speaker/mic – if you wanted audio prompts or to take a call, you had to pair Bluetooth headphones. Fenix 8’s speaker enables phone-free audio for things like turn-by-turn navigation cues, workout alerts, and even music playback (though the tiny speaker is more for convenience than hi-fi sound). The microphone allows for voice commands and voice assistant integration (when paired to your phone) – for example, you can start a workout, set a timer, or ask your phone’s assistant something, all by speaking to your watchtreelinereview.com, treelinereview.com. You can also answer calls on the watch and have a quick chat through its speaker (handy in a pinch or when your phone is in a backpack)treelinereview.com. These “smartwatch” features bring the Fenix 8 closer to general-purpose smartwatches while still being an adventure watch at heart.
It’s worth noting that Garmin also added an LED flashlight on the Fenix 7 X (51mm) model, and later on all sizes of the Fenix 7 Pro series. The Fenix 8 continues to include the flashlight on all full models. So if you’re coming from a standard Fenix 7 (which had no flashlight unless you bought the large 7X), the Fenix 8 will feel like an upgrade in this department too – a little LED light that can be used as a torch or safety strobe. Both Fenix 7 Pro and Fenix 8 also support Garmin’s ECG app (electrocardiogram) for heart health, which the original Fenix 7 (non-Pro) did not have. Essentially, the Fenix 8 incorporates all the enhancements that came with the mid-cycle Fenix 7 Pro update (flashlight, ECG, improved HR sensor) and then adds the speaker, mic, depth sensor, and new display options on top.
Advanced Training and Navigation Features
Garmin pushes out new training metrics and software features with each generation, and Fenix 8 is no exception. Some of these innovations actually premiered on Garmin’s Forerunner line and are now making their way into the Fenix. For instance, Fenix 8 introduces several run-focused performance metrics that the Fenix 7 does not support. These include Running Tolerance (which estimates how much training load your body can handle to avoid overtraining) and Impact Load Factor (which gauges the true impact of mileage on your body, beyond just distance)wareable.com. Additionally, if you use Garmin’s new HRM-Pro Plus or HRM-Run chest strap, the Fenix 8 can give advanced stats like Step Speed Loss and Running Economy, measures that provide deeper insight into your running form and efficiencywareable.com. Garmin has confirmed that these kinds of new training tools will not be added to the older Fenix 7 series via updateswareable.com. In other words, if cutting-edge performance analytics are important to you, the Fenix 8 holds an edge because it’s getting Garmin’s latest software goodies, whereas Fenix 7 is effectively capped at its current feature set.
Beyond running, the Fenix 8 also adds guided strength training programs and some on-watch workout animations that weren’t present before. These are personalized 4–6 week strength workouts you can follow on the watch, catering to goals for trail runners, surfers, etc., to build functional strengthwareable.com. Garmin often trickles some features down to older models, but as of now the Fenix 7 does not have these guided strength plans.
On the navigation and mapping side, both Fenix 7 and 8 include full onboard mapping capabilities (topographic maps, ski maps, golf courses, turn-by-turn routing). One subtle but important difference is the user interface for maps on the Fenix 8. Garmin updated the mapping interface on Fenix 8 (thanks in part to the higher-res screen and new OS) to allow things like better contour detail, customizable map layers, and easier route planning on the watchwareable.com. For example, Fenix 8’s map can show terrain contours more clearly and can suggest round-trip courses to run or ride with just a few tapswareable.com. While the Fenix 7 received many navigation features in updates, it won’t get the new mapping interface improvements that Fenix 8 haswareable.com. If you frequently use your watch for mapping in backcountry expeditions or to explore new trails, you’ll appreciate the Fenix 8’s slightly more polished map experience (especially on the AMOLED screen). That said, Fenix 7 is still an excellent navigator – it will get you from point A to B just as accurately – you just might find the graphics a bit more basic.
A quick note on operating system/UI: The Fenix 8’s menus and widgets have a refreshed look, borrowing from Garmin’s newer Forerunner 965/265 interface (designed for AMOLED). Things like the Morning Report, training status pages, music player, etc., have nicer graphics on Fenix 8wareable.com. This is largely a cosmetic improvement, but reviewers who have used both do say it makes a difference day-to-day – the Fenix 8’s interface feels more modern and easier on the eyeswareable.comwareable.com. Garmin has stated it will not be back-porting the new “AMOLED UI” to the Fenix 7 serieswareable.com. So, while a Fenix 7 and 8 can do many of the same things, doing them on the 8 might look a lot nicer. Again, not a functional necessity, but a point to consider for user experience.
Smartwatch Functions
Aside from fitness features, it’s worth comparing general “smart” functions. Both Fenix 7 and 8 pair with your smartphone (Android or iOS) for notifications, calendar, weather, and they support offline music storage (Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.) and Garmin Pay contactless payments. However, the Fenix 8’s speaker and mic unlock new abilities: you can make and take calls from your wrist (via Bluetooth to your phone) and use voice assistants or voice dictation. For example, if you get a text, a Fenix 7 only lets you reply with preset responses or emoji (and only on Android); on a Fenix 8 you could theoretically speak a response or use your phone’s assistant to dictate a message. You can also summon Siri/Google Assistant with a long button press on the Fenix 8, which essentially turns your Fenix into a remote for your phone’s assistanttreelinereview.com. These are convenient if you’re on the move.
Fenix 8 also has improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling slightly faster sync and map downloads. And thanks to the new hardware, Fenix 8 can do little tricks like record voice notes (leave yourself a voice memo on a run) and then sync them to your phone later – something Fenix 7 cannot do.
In summary, the Fenix 8 is a more advanced smartwatch without sacrificing the core sports focus. The Fenix 7 is no slouch – it covers the essentials and in day-to-day use it’s still very capable. But if you’ve ever wished your adventure watch could do just a bit more (like call your spouse from the trail, or serve as a dive computer on a reef, or show off a prettier screen during downtime), the Fenix 8 fulfills those wishes.
Battery Life and Solar Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for GPS watch users, and both Fenix 7 and 8 excel here. The Fenix 7 set a high benchmark, with the 47 mm model lasting around 18 days in smartwatch mode (up to 57 hours of continuous GPS, or much more with solar on the 7X). The good news is Fenix 8 maintains and even improves battery longevity, despite the addition of power-hungry features like the AMOLED display.
For the MIP (Solar) versions of Fenix 8, you actually get better endurance than Fenix 7. Garmin enhanced the solar charging technology on Fenix 8 by adding a wider, more efficient solar ring around the display, which can boost battery life significantly in sunny conditionstreelinereview.com. According to Garmin, the largest Fenix 8 (51 mm Sapphire Solar) can harness up to 50% more solar energy than a Fenix 7 Solar of equivalent sizewareable.com. In pure numbers, a Fenix 8X can achieve some eyebrow-raising battery stats. For example, in GPS-only tracking mode, the Fenix 8 (51 mm) can last up to 149 hours (with solar) – which is about 22% longer than the Fenix 7X could dotreelinereview.com. That could translate to roughly an extra day of continuous GPS tracking on an ultra run or expedition, which is impressivetreelinereview.com. In smartwatch (daily use) mode, the Fenix 8 Solar 47 mm is rated around 28 days (up to ~37 days with solar), and the 51 mm up to 48 days (~70 days with sufficient solar). These are a bump up from the Fenix 7’s already stellar numbers (the Fenix 7 was about 18 days for 47 mm, 28 days for 51 mm in watch mode, before solar extension)wareable.com.
What about the AMOLED models’ battery? This is where one might worry, since AMOLED screens typically reduce battery life. Garmin has clearly worked to mitigate that. The Fenix 8 AMOLED editions come surprisingly close to the MIP versions in longevity, especially if you use the default settings (which include an always-on display with smart dimming). For instance, the Fenix 8 47 mm AMOLED is rated ~16 days in smartwatch mode (without solar), which is not far off the Fenix 7’s 18 days. Real-world users report around 12–15 days on a Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm with moderate use – an impressive feat for such a bright screendcrainmaker.com. The larger 51 mm AMOLED Fenix 8 can stretch close to 25–30 days (since it has a bigger battery)treelinereview.com. Of course, these figures drop if you do a lot of GPS activities or enable music, mapping, etc., but the bottom line is Garmin managed to deliver multi-week battery life even on the AMOLED Fenix 8. In comparison, an Apple Watch or typical smartwatch lasts 1–3 days, so Garmin is still in a different league.
That said, if you absolutely need the longest endurance, a solar MIP Fenix (either 7X or 8X Solar) is still king. Those can last over a month on a charge under the right conditions (and even more in battery-saver or expedition modes – up to 118 days on a Fenix 8X with solar in expedition modetreelinereview.com!). The smallest Fenix 8 (43 mm AMOLED) has the shortest battery – roughly 10 days smartwatch use, 20–25 hours GPStreelinereview.com – which some have pointed out is less than what a Fenix 6 or 7 could do. This is simply a trade-off of physics: smaller watch, smaller battery, plus AMOLED. So if ultra-long battery is a priority and your wrists can handle a larger watch, you might lean towards the medium or large Fenix, or stick with Fenix 7 Solar variants (which include the 42 mm Fenix 7S Solar, something Fenix 8 doesn’t offer in that size).
Solar charging in both generations is a helpful supplement but not a magic game-changer. Reviewers note that even with Fenix 8’s improved solar, you need strong sunlight for many hours to meaningfully extend lifewareable.comwareable.com. It’s great for topping up on long hikes (think of it as slowing the battery drain rather than reversing it). If you’re frequently off-grid, solar editions are worthwhile; otherwise, you might save money by getting a non-solar Fenix 7 or an AMOLED Fenix 8 and just charging when needed.
To summarize, the Fenix 8 delivers equal or better battery endurance compared to the Fenix 7. The MIP versions of Fenix 8 outlast their Fenix 7 counterparts slightly, thanks to efficiency gains and solar improvements. The Fenix 8 AMOLED models have shorter battery life than the MIP ones, but still excellent in absolute terms – easily enough for multi-day adventures – and on par with or better than Fenix 7 in many scenarios. Unless you routinely push the limits of battery (multi-week treks without charging), both watches have you covered for typical use and then some. If you do need the absolute maximum, the Fenix 8X Solar stands at the top. Conversely, if you pick an AMOLED Fenix 8, expect to charge a bit more often, but you’re still getting a weeks-long charge, not days.
Price and Value
Now let’s talk dollars (or pounds, euros, etc.). How much will each of these watches set you back, and what’s the better value?
When it launched, the Garmin Fenix 7 series ranged roughly from $699 to $999 depending on model (with the base Fenix 7S/7 at the lower end and the sapphire solar 7X at the top). Over time those prices dropped. In fact, now that the Fenix 8 is out, the Fenix 7 can be found at significant discounts. For example, as of early 2025, the standard Fenix 7 (47 mm, non-sapphire) was seen for as low as $429 (around £449), which is a fantastic deal for a watch of its capabilities. Even the higher-end Fenix 7 Pro models had come down to around $649–$749 newwareable.com, and possibly less during sales. The key point: Fenix 7 offers much more budget-friendly prices now, if you can find one in stock, since it’s technically last-gen.
In contrast, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a very expensive watch – arguably one of Garmin’s priciest releases yet. The Fenix 8 series starts at $999 USD MSRP for the base model (43 mm or 47 mm AMOLED with Gorilla Glass). Choosing a sapphire crystal model (which also includes multi-band and maps preloaded) bumps it to $1,099 for 43/47 mm, and the 51 mm sapphire goes up to $1,199wareable.com. In short, we are talking about $1000+ for most Fenix 8 configurations. There is also the new Fenix 8 “E” model (a pared-down variant) at $799, which lacks many features (no sapphire, no solar, no mic/speaker, etc., as noted above)treelinereview.com. But comparing apples to apples, a full-fledged Fenix 8 is roughly twice the price of what a Fenix 7 might cost today.
Of course, price is not the only factor – but it’s a big one. The value proposition breaks down like this: If you crave the latest features and plan to use them, the Fenix 8 might justify its premium. It’s an investment in Garmin’s best tech and will likely remain top of the line for a few years. It has an edge in display quality (if AMOLED), some unique features (voice, dive, new metrics), and slightly better future-proofing. However, the Fenix 7 (especially at discounted rates) offers tremendous bang for your buck. You’re still getting an elite adventure watch that does 90% of what the Fenix 8 does, for potentially half the cost. For many users – particularly those who don’t care about AMOLED or the niche new metrics – a clearance Fenix 7/7 Pro is the smart money choice.
It’s also worth considering your usage needs: If you’re an ultrarunner or hiker who primarily values battery life, navigation, and core durability, a Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar picked up on sale could serve you just as well as a Fenix 8, without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you’re an early adopter, a multi-sport athlete who will use the running power metrics, or you simply want that gorgeous AMOLED display for everyday wear, the Fenix 8 will feel more satisfying and you likely won’t regret paying for the premium experience.
Lastly, think about longevity and support. The Fenix 7 is now a generation old; it will still get bug fixes, but Garmin’s major updates will target the Fenix 8 and beyond. The Fenix 8, being newer, will likely receive more feature updates and support for longer. If you intend to keep your watch for, say, 4–5 years, the Fenix 8 gives you a bit more runway.
In summary: The Fenix 7 is the value winner for budget-conscious buyers – it’s hard to ignore how much cheaper it can be while still delivering a top-tier experience. But the Fenix 8 is the performance king – if you want the absolute best and are willing to invest, it delivers on that promise. Many experts who have spent time with both still come away favoring the Fenix 8 as the superior watch overallwareable.com, mainly because once you’ve enjoyed its improvements (display, interface, features), it’s tough to go back. The real question is whether those improvements are worth the extra cost for you.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and how you’ll use the watch:
- Choose Garmin Fenix 8 if you want the cutting edge. It’s the right pick for those who crave the latest features and top performance. You’ll get the option of a brilliant AMOLED display, new training tools, on-wrist voice capability, and enhancements like dive tracking and improved UI. The Fenix 8 is the flagship built to do it all – essentially a “no-compromise” adventure smartwatch (aside from the high price and a bit of added weight). If you’re a tech enthusiast or serious athlete who will utilize things like Running Dynamics, voice control, or simply appreciate the nicer screen and slight improvements everywhere, the Fenix 8 will feel incredibly rewarding. It’s the most advanced Garmin watch to date, and early reviews confirm it outshines the Fenix 7 in daily usewareable.com.
- Choose Garmin Fenix 7 if you value value. The Fenix 7 (and 7 Pro) remains a powerhouse – it’s rugged, accurate, and enduring. It might lack the Fenix 8’s bells and whistles, but it covers all the fundamentals of a GPS multisport watch and then some. Importantly, you can get it at a much lower cost now, making it a fantastic choice for budget-minded adventurers. If you don’t feel you need an AMOLED screen or voice features, the Fenix 7 will track your ultra marathon or backcountry trek just as reliably as the Fenix 8. It still has maps, music, payments, and a battery that outlasts almost every competitor. In many ways, the Fenix 7 is “enough watch” for 99% of activities – and picking one up in 2025 saves money that you could spend on other gear or adventures.
For current Fenix 7 owners wondering about upgrading: consider what your Fenix 7 doesn’t do that you wish it did. If the answer is “not much,” you might hold off. But if you’ve been eyeing that AMOLED display or find yourself pushing against the limits of your Fenix 7’s features, the Fenix 8 will feel like a satisfying leap.
In the end, both the Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 are outstanding GPS smartwatches that carry Garmin’s legacy of quality. There’s no wrong choice – it’s about finding which one is right for you. The Fenix 7 offers proven performance and great value, while the Fenix 8 offers cutting-edge innovation and all the premium extras. Assess your needs, weigh the differences we’ve discussed, and you’ll be equipped to make the best decision. Happy adventuring with whichever Fenix you choose!
FAQ
Is the Garmin Fenix 8 worth the upgrade if I already have a Fenix 7?
It depends on what you value. The Fenix 8 offers several upgrades: an optional AMOLED display, new training metrics (like Running Tolerance), a built-in speaker/microphone for calls and voice commands, diving depth sensor, and slightly better battery life in some modes. If these features excite you or you want the latest Garmin has to offer, upgrading will be worth it. Many users report that once they experienced the Fenix 8’s improved screen and features, they wouldn’t want to go back. However, if your Fenix 7 already meets your needs, it’s still a very capable watch with similar core tracking accuracy. Consider also the cost – the Fenix 8 is expensive, so if AMOLED or voice features aren’t priorities, you might save money sticking with the Fenix 7 a bit longer.
Does the Fenix 8 have better battery life than the Fenix 7?
Yes, in general the Fenix 8 matches or exceeds the Fenix 7’s battery life, especially in the solar models. Garmin improved solar efficiency (the 51mm Fenix 8 harnesses ~50% more sun than Fenix 7X), and overall optimizations give it longer runtime. For example, Fenix 8X Solar can reach up to 149 hours GPS tracking (with solar) versus ~122 hours on Fenix 7X. In smartwatch mode, Fenix 8 Solar lasts many days longer. The one caveat: AMOLED versions have slightly shorter life (~10–16 days depending on size). Even so, Fenix 8 AMOLED models still perform as well or better than Fenix 7 thanks to bigger batteries and better power management. Unless you use always-on AMOLED at max brightness, battery life is excellent.
Will the Fenix 7 get the new software features introduced in Fenix 8?
No, not the major ones. Garmin has indicated that new features in the Fenix 8 (like Running Tolerance, Impact Load, revamped mapping, and strength programs) won’t come to Fenix 7. The Fenix 7 will keep getting maintenance updates and maybe minor tweaks, but Garmin typically doesn’t backport big new features to older generations. If you want the exclusives, you’d need to upgrade. That said, the Fenix 7 is still very capable and did get features like HRV Status and Morning Report during its lifecycle.
Are there any features the Fenix 7 has that the Fenix 8 doesn’t?
Very few – the Fenix 8 is mostly additive. One minor difference: the Fenix 7S (42mm) had a small-size option with solar, while the Fenix 8’s smallest (43mm) is AMOLED-only with no solar. So if you want the most compact solar model, the Fenix 7S still wins. Some also prefer the always-on memory-in-pixel (MIP) display for its visibility and efficiency. But overall, the Fenix 8 either matches or surpasses the Fenix 7 in sensors and features. There’s no critical function the Fenix 7 has that the Fenix 8 lacks.
Is the AMOLED display on the Fenix 8 durable enough for rough outdoor use?
Yes. The Fenix 8’s AMOLED models use Gorilla Glass or Sapphire Crystal (on premium editions) and are built to the same rugged 10 ATM standards as other Fenix models. They handle bumps, water, vibration, and extreme temps. Visibility in sunlight is very good – AMOLED is bright (1000+ nits) and readable outdoors, though MIP still wins for effortless visibility without backlight. The trade-off is power efficiency: AMOLED uses more battery in always-on mode, but Garmin mitigated this with software optimizations. In practice, most users get 10–16 days smartwatch time, which is still excellent. For long expeditions, turning off always-on or using gestures further extends life.
How do the watches compare for everyday wear and non-sport use?
Both Fenix 7 and 8 are solid as daily wear smartwatches. The Fenix 8, especially AMOLED versions, feel more polished with features like wrist calls, voice assistant support, and a vibrant display for notifications and watch faces. The Fenix 7’s transflective screen is always visible but looks utilitarian. Both are chunky on the wrist, but Garmin slimmed the Fenix 8 AMOLED slightly. Both track health (steps, HR, sleep, stress) and sync notifications. If you want a more modern smartwatch experience, Fenix 8 is better; if you prefer conservative looks and longer idle visibility, Fenix 7 is fine.
What about the Garmin Epix series? Is Fenix 8 replacing it?
Yes. The Epix Gen 2 was basically a Fenix 7 with AMOLED. With Fenix 8, Garmin merged Epix into the Fenix line. Now Fenix 8 gives you the choice of AMOLED or MIP, so there’s no separate Epix 3. The Fenix 8 AMOLED is the true successor to Epix Gen 2. This streamlines Garmin’s lineup and ensures you’re not missing out – all Epix-style features now live inside the Fenix 8 series.
Author: Wiredu Fred – Tech reviewer and outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience testing GPS smartwatches and fitness wearables. Wiredu Fred has been following Garmin’s Fenix series since its inception, providing in-depth analysis to help readers make informed choices.