Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Smartwatch

After years of loyalty to the Apple Watch, from the Series 3 all the way through to the Series 10, I made the leap to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar MIP—and I’m only sorry I didn’t do it sooner. This rugged, feature-packed multisport watch has redefined what I expect from a wearable, offering an unrivaled combination of battery life, functionality, and durability that leaves the Apple Watch in the dust for anyone serious about fitness and outdoor adventures. Unparalleled Battery Life The standout feature of the Fenix 8 Solar MIP is its extraordinary battery life. Unlike the Apple Watch, which demanded nightly charging and barely lasted 18-36 hours (even on the Ultra 2), the Fenix 8 Solar MIP delivers weeks of usage on a single charge. Garmin claims up to 30 days in smartwatch mode for the 51mm version, and with solar charging in optimal conditions, this can extend to 48 days. In my real-world use—daily runs, cycling, and constant heart rate monitoring—I’ve consistently achieved 18-21 days, even with cloudy weather limiting solar gains. This is a revelation compared to the Apple Watch’s constant tether to a charger, making it ideal for long trips or multi-day adventures without worrying about power. A Wealth of Functions The Fenix 8 Solar MIP is a fitness and adventure enthusiast’s dream, offering a staggering array of features that dwarf the Apple Watch’s capabilities. While the Apple Watch excels as a smartwatch with its app ecosystem, it falls short for dedicated sports tracking. The Fenix 8, on the other hand, tracks over 90 sports, including niche activities like scuba diving (with a new depth gauge for up to 40m) and even pickleball. Its multisport mode with automatic transitions is perfect for triathletes, and the advanced training metrics—such as Body Battery, Training Readiness, and Endurance Score—provide actionable insights far beyond Apple’s Activity Rings. The addition of a microphone and speaker is a game-changer, allowing me to take calls directly from the wrist (when paired with my phone) and use voice commands to start activities or set alarms. While not as seamless as Siri on the Apple Watch, it’s a welcome upgrade for a Garmin device. The built-in LED flashlight, with white and red light modes, has also proven surprisingly useful for nighttime runs or navigating in low-light conditions. Navigation is another area where the Fenix 8 shines. With pre-downloaded topographic maps, dynamic round-trip routing, and precise dual-frequency GPS, I’ve confidently explored new trails without fear of getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s GPS is accurate, but its navigation tools pale in comparison, often requiring third-party apps to match Garmin’s native mapping capabilities. Design and Display Switching from the Apple Watch’s vibrant OLED to the Fenix 8’s memory-in-pixel (MIP) display took some adjustment. The MIP screen isn’t as bright or colorful, but it’s always-on, highly readable in sunlight, and doesn’t drain the battery like an AMOLED. The new solar panel enhances clarity over previous MIP displays, and I’ve had no issues reading data during runs or hikes. The 47mm and 51mm sizes (I chose the 47mm for a better fit) feel robust yet comfortable, with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens that shrug off scratches—perfect for rugged environments. Compared to the Apple Watch’s sleek, rectangular design, the Fenix 8’s round, rugged aesthetic feels more purpose-built for adventure. The five-button interface, combined with a responsive touchscreen, is intuitive, though the inductive buttons (designed for leak-proof diving) lack the tactile click of older models. The QuickFit silicone strap is comfortable, but upgrading to Garmin’s UltraFit nylon strap reduced irritation during long wears. Why I’m Never Going Back Switching to the Fenix 8 Solar MIP has been a revelation. The freedom of not charging daily, combined with unparalleled sports tracking, navigation, and durability, makes it the ultimate tool for my active lifestyle. While I miss some of the Apple Watch’s smartwatch polish, the Fenix 8’s focus on performance and endurance is unmatched. If you’re an athlete or outdoor enthusiast who’s been tethered to the Apple Watch’s charger and limited fitness metrics, the Fenix 8 Solar MIP is worth every penny. I only wish I’d made the switch years ago. Verdict: The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar MIP is a powerhouse for serious athletes, offering weeks-long battery life, robust sports tracking, and superior navigation. While it lacks the Apple Watch’s smartwatch finesse, its rugged design and feature depth make it the best choice for those prioritizing performance over polish.

I bought about a month ago and I’m glad I did. Love the flashlight.

Bought about a month ago and love it!! Should have bought a long time ago

This has been one of the best investments I’ve made so far.

After many years of thinking about it, I decided to ditch my Apple Ultra and buy the Fenix 8 Solar, and it's been the best decision I've made in years. The readings are so accurate and precise, the sleep reading is AMAZING, and not to mention the battery life. I exercise for two hours, six times a week, and the battery lasts 21 days! Nothing can beat that!

I continue to be amazed at the information this watch collects and presents back to me. I am grateful I did not delay my purchase because of the price although it certainly caused pause. I am still learning how to manage my sleep hygiene and workout routines but have already received helpful insights. I am 70 years old and paying much closer attention to my body's signals, and this watch definitely helps.

Works as advertised. Love it that Garmin is constantly updating the system and apps.

So far so good. Love the watch. Was intimidated by it at first with it being a watch with so many features but I learned it quick. The app helps a lot. Do wish garmin merged all the apps into one tho. And if their maps were slightly better more like other mapping apps.

I'm still learning about what the watch is able to do; the list seems endless. I had been wearing a smart watch that needed to be charged every day. Now I can go two weeks without charging, and longer than that with solar if I pay attention to what I need and don't need. I was skeptical at first about all the health tracking, but the watch has me convinced. I wear it almost 24/7, so I'm learning a lot about my sleep patterns, energy levels, and training readiness. Fantastic product and it looks cool, too!

I went from the first I stinct solar to the Fenix 8 solar and I love it. Couldn't be happier. I just hope it proves to be as tough as the instinct.

The watch it self is quite easy to navigate, I definitely still need to learn some things. But I wish the app was nicer and easier to navigate. I find my self getting confused. I also Don't like the app store for the watch is on a separate app. I have used other watches and this is my first Garmin. I definitely like the other apps more.

I bought this a month ago and love it! Still learning the features as I go. The Garmin Connect app info. is invaluable! I live in a rural area so it’s like having a personal trainer! Thank you Fenix 8

Does everything needed. Does more things than I will ever use. Great for monitoring heart functions.

Lost my 7pro, so I upgraded to the 8MIP. Happy with the features, but battery life has a long way to go. With most settings turned on I only get around 7-9 day.

Size fits well on my wrist and battery life has been amazing. Great for everyday use as well as activity tracking.

I bought this watch a month ago. Haven’t fully explored all of it’s features yet, but am loving the ones that I have. On my way to Alaska and looking forward to using the hiking, navigation and kayaking features.

I love everything about this watch. From the battery life to the fitness metrics that it tracks. For starters, I get almost 2 weeks out of the battery. Thats using the gps everyday for hikes, walks, or for golfing. I feel that it keeps better track of your fitness metrics then some other bands. The steps and heart rate are 2 that I track daily. My heart rate is always spot in if I check it manually as well. It has given me confidence to trust the device. The golf app is another thing I use regularly and it is like having a cady with you. From giving you yardage to what the hole actually plays like and club recommendations and the green contours just top it off

Really like all the features and it is a good looking watch!

Several months in now, this is great. Battery life is great, Wrist heart rate seems accurate, as I often pair with a HRM600 chest strap anyway. Not too bulky, but feels substantial. Very pleased with this watch.

I am a Lifeguard and needed a reliable watch to use at deeper depth than just swimming. I like the large watchface so I can get all info in a quick glance.