Fenix 8 at All-Time Low: Should You Buy Now?
▼ Summary
– The Garmin Fenix 8 is currently on sale with significant discounts, such as the 43mm AMOLED model for $849 (originally $1,099), and the deal is expected to last through Cyber Monday.
– The Fenix 8 combines features from various Garmin models but has a high price, and the author recommends considering cheaper alternatives like the Forerunner 970 for most users.
– Garmin tends to stop adding new features to older models like the Fenix 8 once a new version is released, which may affect long-term value for buyers.
– Cheaper Garmin watches, such as the Forerunner 965, Venu 4, and Epix Pro (Gen 2), offer many of the same core features at lower prices, making them practical choices for non-specialized activities.
– The author advises against overspending on the Fenix 8 unless you specifically need its niche sports modes or are willing to accept the trade-offs of premium pricing.
Black Friday might be over, but the Garmin Fenix 8 remains available at a significant discount, making now an excellent time to consider this premium multisport watch. With prices slashed by hundreds of dollars, the Fenix 8 presents a compelling alternative to competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 3, offering a robust suite of features for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
When the Fenix 8 launched last year, it was praised for combining the best elements from Garmin’s Forerunner, Instinct, and Venu lines into a single, high-performance device. Despite a notable price hike, it shattered sales records, appealing to fans eager for the brand’s top-tier technology. Right now, you can purchase the Fenix 8 43mm AMOLED model for just $849, a $250 saving, or opt for the 51mm Solar version at the same price, which represents a $350 discount. This makes it far more affordable than its original cost a year ago.
The Fenix 8 comes in multiple sizes, each with different battery specifications. The 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm AMOLED variants last approximately 10, 16, and 29 days respectively. The smaller 43mm version is notably lighter, making it a better fit for those with slender wrists. Alternatively, the MIP Solar model boasts an impressive 28 to 48 days of battery life, extending up to 149 hours in GPS mode with solar charging, though its display is less vibrant. It’s also important to decide between the titanium and stainless steel versions. The steel option costs $100 less but is heavier and lacks the scratch-resistant sapphire glass found on the titanium model. Whichever you choose, the current discounts make this premium watch much more accessible.
However, it’s worth exploring other options within Garmin’s lineup. The Fenix 8 is undoubtedly the brand’s flagship, but several other models deliver nearly identical software and performance at a fraction of the price. For example, the Forerunner 970 is available for $649, saving you $200. Unless your activities specifically require advanced diving, surfing, or water skiing metrics, the Forerunner 970 provides all the essential tools most athletes need.
Even the Forerunner 970 might seem expensive to some. The real question is which Garmin watch represents the best value for your needs during this extended sale period.
A key consideration is Garmin’s product update cycle. The Fenix 8 was released in August 2024. Shortly after its launch, owners of the previous Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro (Gen 2) models discovered that Garmin had ceased adding new features to their devices, despite their recent and costly purchases. Given that a Fenix 9 is anticipated in the summer of 2026, history suggests that the Fenix 8 will similarly stop receiving new software updates once its successor arrives. While this practice affects all Garmin watches, it’s easier to accept a limited support window when you’ve paid half the price.
The Fenix 8 is loaded with specialized modes for almost every sport imaginable. Before committing, ask yourself how often you will truly use its most niche functions. Could you be satisfied with a more affordable model that you might need to remove once during a snorkeling trip, or that offers a two-week battery life instead of three or four?
Having tested various Forerunner, Instinct, and Venu models before using a Fenix, I came to value their long battery life, lightweight designs, and core training metrics. Upgrading to the Forerunner 955 and 965 provided top-tier tools and excellent battery performance for just $499 to $599. My positive experience with the Fenix 8, which came from a free review unit, doesn’t mean I would personally spend my own money on it. There are several outstanding alternatives that deliver a comparable experience without the premium cost.
For those seeking long battery life, a vibrant AMOLED display, and advanced features comparable to the Fenix series, the Garmin Forerunner 970 is a top recommendation. If your budget is tighter, consider the Forerunner 965 at $449, which includes a 23-day battery, dual-band GPS accuracy, offline maps, Endurance Score, real-time stamina metrics, MTB Grit & Flow, and Strava Live Segments. It lacks only the very latest features found on the 970 and Fenix 8, such as running tolerance and Strength Coach.
If a stylish titanium build is a priority, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) is available for $549. This model includes fifth-generation health sensors, a built-in microphone and speaker for calls, a safety flashlight, and sapphire glass protection. It delivers a 16-day battery life and shares most of the advanced features found in the Forerunner 965.
For users who want modern features and a sleek design without all the extreme sports extras, the Garmin Venu 4 is priced at $499. It provides essential functions like daily workout suggestions, training load analysis, Bluetooth calling, health anomaly detection, and dual-band GPS. Its AMOLED screen is actually twice as bright as the Fenix 8’s, and its streamlined two-button design is more discreet and lightweight than the Fenix’s sporty five-button layout.
Those who prefer a much lighter and slimmer watch should consider the Venu X1, currently $599. While its battery lasts eight days per charge, shorter than the Fenix 8, its exceptionally lightweight and thin design is far more comfortable during long workouts. It also features a 2-inch display that is superior for navigating maps.
If budget is not a constraint and you prefer to avoid the compromises of other models, such as polymer cases, fewer software perks, or reduced battery life, then the Fenix 8 is a justifiable purchase. However, I believe you should resist the fear of missing out that might push you toward the most expensive option. Several other Garmin watches deliver a nearly identical user experience for several hundred dollars less, offering tremendous value without sacrificing core functionality.
(Source: Android Central)
