For a number of years Garmin would launch an annual replace to its do-everything Fenix line and in addition to its Epix line which was, successfully, only a Fenix with an AMOLED display screen. Properly, Garmin lastly determined to consolidate, and the Fenix is now the one line to rule all of them. And I imply that, as a result of it is vitally actually the very best watch I’ve ever worn, nevertheless it comes with a hefty price ticket. Not solely are you able to now select between a shiny and colourful AMOLED display screen or a solar-charging show with mind-boggling battery life, however there are some new options that make the newest Fenix much more versatile.
For starters, the Fenix 8 has cribbed the depth sensor from its Descent line, which implies this on a regular basis watch now works as a full-on dive pc for leisure scuba in addition to free diving. The watch additionally now incorporates a microphone and a speaker. This lets you make some fundamental voice instructions (begin an exercise, change modes, set a timer, open stopwatch, and so forth), report voice notes, and even reply a cellphone name—which I did a few instances whereas showering. (There’s nonetheless no mobile connectivity, although, which is a bummer.) It additionally has a built-in LED flashlight (three ranges of white and one purple for sustaining night time imaginative and prescient), which I ended up utilizing on a regular basis. It additionally has built-in topographic maps, 24/7 well being monitoring, 15-plus-day battery life, and monitoring for over 100 totally different actions.
The Fenix 8 is available in 43-mm, 47-mm, and 51-mm sizes and is obtainable in each AMOLED and photo voltaic display screen choices. Personally, I feel AMOLED is the best way to go as a result of it seems so good, and charging it as soon as each two weeks isn’t a giant deal, however in case you’re going to be doing a little month-long treks within the hinterlands, the 51-mm Photo voltaic version begins with a full month of battery life (as much as 48 days with common publicity to the solar). It’s costly, nevertheless it’s implausible. —Brent Rose
