Garmin Fenix 8: The Truth From a Longtime Garmin User

After 2 weeks of 24/7 use, here's what I think about the Garmin Fenix 8.
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In this video, I break down my experience with the Garmin Fenix 8 after using it for a few weeks. This watch isn't cheap, and I wish I had known a few things before diving in. I'm not here to run through the specs like every other review; instead, I’m going to be a bit more critical since it's a big investment. For context, I’m coming from the Epix Pro 51mm and have been using Garmin watches all the way back to the Fenix 3.

First, the good news: tracking accuracy and battery life are pretty much on par with the Epix Pro. The GPS chipset and battery performance feel identical. The AMOLED screen is crisp and easy to read, though there is a weird dimming issue at night that hopefully gets addressed in a firmware update. Some button changes were made, allegedly for diving purposes, but I’m not sure these tweaks were necessary for us outdoor enthusiasts. It’ll take more time and some extreme conditions to really judge them. Garmin also revamped the operating system, but it's nothing groundbreaking. There are a few changes in navigation and course creation that you might notice if you're coming from an older model. The new features like voice commands and the "phone assistant" aren't really game-changers for me, and they don't work as seamlessly as on other smartwatches.

Where things get iffy is the overall experience. The new OS was buggy at launch, with random reboots and other issues that don't inspire confidence, especially when you’re relying on the watch for navigation on a hike. Garmin has pushed out some updates, but it's still not what I’d expect from a $1,200 smartwatch. Then there’s the Connect IQ store not working out of the box. And when it finally did, I found out Garmin is charging $5 for some of the watch faces. After shelling out for a pricey watch, having to pay extra for a watch face seems ridiculous. Honestly, this just didn’t feel like a premium experience, and I wouldn't recommend upgrading from an older model unless you have a compelling reason. If you have questions about the Fenix 8, leave them below. Thanks for your support—I bought this watch with your help to give you the unfiltered truth.

00:00 Before You Buy
00:47 Accuracy
01:09 Screen
01:48 Buttons
02:50 Flashlight
03:02 OS Changes
04:18 Bugs
05:11 Voice Features
06:03 Readability
06:22 Watch Faces
07:23 Buy It?
08:24 Fenix 8 Pro Leaks

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