Garmin fenix 8 Buying Guide
How to Choose Between the Garmin fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED and Sapphire Solar
Updated: August 28, 2024 by Colvin Kenphila
The fenix series of watches is Garmin's premium offering for runners who want top-of-the-line features and high quality that lasts. These multisport watches feature advanced monitoring systems and in-depth running data that set the standard for all other GPS watches. Used by ultramarathoners and triathletes alike, the fenix is renowned for its long battery life, endless wealth of training analysis, ability to track multiple sports, and rugged durability.
The Garmin fenix watch line includes the fenix AMOLED, Sapphire AMOLED, and Sapphire Solar. At their core, each model offers very similar functions and features, with the main differences residing in the varying watch sizes, battery lives, and case and screen materials.
* Alternatively, if you're interested in the Garmin Forerunner Series check out our Garmin Forerunner Buying Guide. Having trouble finding what features to look for in a running watch? Check out our other article about How to Choose a Running Watch.
New Features
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The main upgrades seen in the new fenix 8 line include:
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Top Features in fenix 8 Models
| AMOLED Display | Crisp and bright, the AMOLED display comes standard in all models for better viewing of data (only available in AMOLED version) |
| Dive Rated | Go deeper with a 40-meter diver rating with leakproof buttons, ensuring your watch functions perfectly in wet environments |
| Sensor Guard | A metal plate lines the sensors for enhanced durability and longevity |
| More Storage | 32GB of storage for songs and maps |
| Voice Commands | Built-in speaker and mic allow you to make and receive calls on your wrist and use voice commands offline. |
| Built-In LED Flashlight | Light the night with a built-in flashlight within the frame |
| Sport-Specific Workouts | Tailor your data to the specific workout or sport for the most accurate information. |
Materials & Pricing
The fenix Sapphire AMOLED and Sapphire Solar models share the same internal features; the only differences come from specific lens and display needs in each watch. The Sapphire models use a scratch-resistant Sapphire lens paired with an AMOLED display for a crisp and clear screen. This style comes in a titanium or stainless steel bezel (depending on your preferences) and features the standard silicone band. The Solar models take things up a notch by using a Powered sapphire crystal for solar charging with a sun-visible display on top of the titanium bezel.
| Models | fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED | fenix 8 Sapphire SOLAR |
| Lens | Sapphire Crystal | Power Sapphire™ |
| Display | AMOLED | Sun Visible Display |
| Bezel | Titanium or Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Band | Silicone | Silicone |
| Sizes | 43mm, 47mm, 51mm | 47mm, 51mm |
Screen Size, Battery Life, and Weight
| Models | fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED 43mm | fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED 47mm | fenix 8 Sapphire AMOLED 51mm | fenix 8 Solar 47mm** | fenix 8 Solar 51mm** |
| Screen Size |
1.3" Diameter |
1.4" Diameter |
1.4" Diameter |
1.4" Diameter | 1.4" Diameter |
| Battery Life |
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 10 days (4 days with always on) Battery Saver Mode: 15 days GPS Only: Up to 28 hours (22 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems: Up to 23 hours (18 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 21 hours (16 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 6 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 49 hours Expedition GPS Mode: Up to 10 days |
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 16 days (7 days with always on) Battery Saver Mode: 23 days GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems: Up to 38 hours (30 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 35 hours (28 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 81 hours Expedition GPS Mode: Up to 17 days |
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 29 days (13 days with always on) Battery Saver Mode: 41 days GPS Only: Up to 84 hours (65 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems: Up to 68 hours (54 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 62 hours (49 hrs always on) All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 18 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 145 hours Expedition GPS Mode: Up to 31 days |
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 21 days/28 days with solar Battery Saver Mode: Up to 34 days/58 days with solar GPS Only: Up to 67 hrs/92 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems: 48 hrs/59 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 37 hrs/43 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 13 hrs Max Battery GPS: Up to 132 hrs/283 hrs with solar Expedition GPS Mode: Up to 34 days/58 days with solar |
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 30 days/48 days with solar Battery Saver Mode: Up to 48 days/107 days with solar GPS Only: Up to 95 hrs/149 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems: 68 hrs/92 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 52 hrs/65 hrs with solar All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 18 hrs Max Battery GPS: Up to 186 hrs/653 hrs with solar Expedition GPS Mode: Up to 50 days/118 days with solar |
| Weight |
Stainless Steel: 66 g (case only: 50 g) Titanium: 60 g (case only: 44 g) |
Titanium: 73 g (case only: 52 g) |
Titanium: 92 g (case only: 64 g) |
80g (case only: 57 g) | 95 g (case only: 67 g) |
**Assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions (aka full brightness)
Choosing Between the Options
When breaking down the differences between each model, each style offers features that come down to personal preferences of what you would want in a high-performance running watch.
The fenix 8 AMOLED may be the best option if you like having a bright and clear screen with the AMOLED Display.
For the lightest fenix, the 43mm AMOLED choice might be ideal for those runners looking for maximum weight savings.
Depending on your need for power, the Solar power versions of the fenix 8 offer longer battery life, ideal for ultramarathons and longer treks through the wild.
Lastly, if you tend to be rough with your gear or need a watch to withstand the rigors of training in extreme environments, then we recommend you select a titanium bezel for enhanced durability.
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