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The bigger change was Garmin’s product strategy. Epix had been the company’s premium AMOLED outdoor watch; with AMOLED now available in the fēnix family, Garmin appears to have absorbed Epix’s role rather than continuing two closely related flagship lines. Garmin’s launch announcement did not formally declare Epix discontinued, however.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Garmin fēnix® 8, 47mm, Black | $742.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Garmin fēnix® 8 Solar, Sapphire, 51mm, DLC Titanium, Black/Pebble Gray | $1,098.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Garmin fēnix® 8, 43mm, Whitestone | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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Garmin fēnix® 8, Sapphire, 47mm, Titanium, Spark Orange/Graphite | $996.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What launched, and when?
Both watches were announced on August 27, 2024. Garmin positioned the fēnix 8 as its premium multisport and adventure flagship, while the Enduro 3 remained a specialist endurance watch for ultra-running, long-distance hiking, cycling and other activities where charging opportunities are scarce.
At launch, Garmin listed U.S. suggested retail pricing from $999.99 for the fēnix 8 family and $899.99 for the Enduro 3. Those were U.S. launch prices, not universal or necessarily current prices. Regional pricing, discounts and remaining stock can differ substantially.
#1 Best Overall
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a bright 1.4” AMOLED display, stainless steel bezel, enhanced graphical interface and a built-in LED flashlight for after- dark visibility
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, sport-specific workouts and a full range of built-in sports apps
- Battery performance: up to 16 days in smartwatch mode; up to 47 hours in GPS mode. Fits wrists with the following circumference: Silicone band: 125-208 mm UltraFit Band: 125-215 mm Leather Band: 132-210 mm Metal Band: 132-210 mm
- Your training readiness score is based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to determine if you’re primed to go hard and reap the rewards (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- For your active lifestyle, a built-in speaker and mic let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone — and you can even use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
See Garmin’s fēnix 8 announcement and Enduro 3 announcement for the original specifications.
The biggest change: AMOLED joins fēnix
The fēnix 8 AMOLED is available in 43 mm, 47 mm and 51 mm sizes. Solar models come in 47 mm and 51 mm. That removes the old practical reason to choose Epix: buyers who wanted Garmin’s vivid, high-contrast AMOLED screen can now choose it under the fēnix name.
AMOLED gives maps, watch faces and menus a brighter, more smartphone-like appearance. The trade-off is endurance. Solar fēnix models use a memory-in-pixel display that is especially well suited to outdoor light and generally lasts longer between charges. AMOLED battery life also depends heavily on settings; Garmin specifically warns that an always-on display reduces battery life. The 51 mm fēnix 8 AMOLED is rated for up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, while the 51 mm Solar version is rated for up to 48 days with its always-on display.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Those figures are manufacturer estimates, not universal results. GPS use, notifications, sensors, music, navigation and display settings all affect runtime. Garmin’s fēnix 8 manual explains the relevant display and battery settings.
What was genuinely new on fēnix 8?
Microphone, speaker and voice controls
The fēnix 8 added a built-in microphone and speaker. When paired with a compatible smartphone, it can make and answer phone calls. It can also access a phone’s voice assistant where supported.
Garmin also added a narrower set of on-watch voice commands that can work without a phone connection. Examples include starting a strength activity, setting a timer and saving a waypoint. This is not cellular service and it is not unrestricted conversational AI: phone calls and phone-assisted functions generally require a compatible paired smartphone, while the direct command set is limited and can vary with software.
Garmin documents the feature through its voice-command support page and owner’s manual guidance.
Rank #2
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a 1.4” solar charged display with scratch-resistant sapphire lens, durable titanium bezel and built-in LED flashlight for after-dark visibility
- Battery performance: up to 48 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions) and up to 149 hours in GPS mode with solar charging (assumes continuous use for entire period in 50,000 lux conditions) — all with an always-on display, so you’re ready to take on the toughest challenges
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, sport-specific workouts and a full range of built-in sports apps
- Your training readiness score is based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to determine if you’re primed to go hard and reap the rewards (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- For your active lifestyle, a built-in speaker and mic let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone — and you can even use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
Dive support and tougher controls
fēnix 8 supports scuba and apnea activities and has a 40-metre dive-rated case. Garmin also added leakproof metal buttons and redesigned the sensor guard.
That makes fēnix 8 dive-capable, but it does not automatically make it the right replacement for a dedicated Descent dive computer. Divers should compare depth limits, decompression functions, gas management and dive-planning requirements with Garmin’s Descent range.
A built-in LED flashlight
The fēnix 8 and Enduro 3 both include an LED flashlight with variable brightness, red light and strobe modes. It is useful for finding equipment in a tent, starting an early run or moving around camp while preserving night vision. It is not a substitute for a proper headlamp on technical or extended nighttime outings.
More structured strength training
Garmin added four- to six-week strength plans and sport-specific workouts. These are meaningful additions for users who want a structured training block, but they are software and coaching improvements rather than a major new sensor breakthrough.
Navigation and outdoor tools
The fēnix 8 launch also refreshed Garmin’s established navigation platform. Relevant tools include:
- TopoActive maps for outdoor navigation.
- Dynamic round-trip routing for generating routes that return to the starting point.
- Terrain contours and the NextFork Map Guide for route context.
- Multi-band GPS and SatIQ for balancing positioning accuracy and battery use.
- Garmin Messenger for two-way messaging through the Garmin ecosystem.
Map availability depends on the edition. Garmin says Sapphire versions include preloaded TopoActive maps, while non-Sapphire versions require maps to be downloaded. Garmin also offers Outdoor Maps+, an optional paid service with additional mapping content. It is not required for the basic watch experience.
Garmin Messenger should not be confused with independent satellite messaging. On the standard fēnix 8 and Enduro 3, the launch configuration required compatible paired smartphones and the Messenger app. Genuine off-grid satellite messaging and SOS require an appropriate inReach product or a model with that hardware.
Rank #3
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a bright 1.3” AMOLED display, stainless steel bezel, enhanced graphical interface and a built-in LED flashlight for after- dark visibility
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, sport-specific workouts and a full range of built-in sports apps
- Battery performance: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode; up to 28 hours in GPS mode
- Your training readiness score is based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to determine if you’re primed to go hard and reap the rewards (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- For your active lifestyle, a built-in speaker and mic let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone — and you can even use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
Enduro 3 is an endurance specialist, not simply a cheaper fēnix 8
The Enduro 3 is a deliberate set of trade-offs. It has one large 51 mm case, a Solar/MIP display, a titanium bezel, sapphire glass, an UltraFit nylon band and a listed weight of 63 grams.
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Its headline advantage is battery life. Garmin rates it for:
- Up to 320 hours in GPS mode with solar, under continuous 50,000-lux conditions.
- Up to 120 hours of multi-band GPS with SatIQ under Garmin’s stated test conditions.
- Up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar under specified solar-use assumptions.
- Up to 36 days in smartwatch mode in Garmin’s comparison data without the solar extension.
These are maximum estimates, not promises for ordinary wear. Indoor use, shade, winter conditions, clothing covering the watch, frequent GPS recording, navigation, music and low solar exposure can all reduce the result.
The Enduro 3 includes the flashlight, ECG app, Garmin Messenger, maps and training features associated with this generation. Garmin’s comparison material does not list the fēnix 8’s built-in speaker and microphone calling or voice-command hardware for Enduro 3. It is also not available in smaller sizes or with an AMOLED screen.
fēnix 8 vs. Enduro 3
| Feature | fēnix 8 AMOLED | fēnix 8 Solar | Enduro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch date | August 27, 2024 | August 27, 2024 | August 27, 2024 |
| U.S. launch price | From $999.99 | From $999.99 family starting price | $899.99 |
| Sizes | 43, 47, 51 mm | 47, 51 mm | 51 mm only |
| Display | AMOLED | Solar MIP | Solar MIP |
| Speaker/microphone | Yes | Yes | Not listed in Garmin’s comparison |
| LED flashlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery headline | Up to 29 days smartwatch mode for 51 mm | Up to 48 days with always-on display for 51 mm | Up to 320 GPS hours with solar |
| Best suited to | Display-focused all-round use | Outdoor endurance with newer fēnix hardware | Maximum runtime and lower weight |
For Garmin’s detailed comparison, see the official comparison tool.
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Three statements should be kept separate.
Verified
Epix was Garmin’s premium AMOLED multisport watch. Garmin’s Epix launch material emphasized its AMOLED display, touchscreen, maps, health tracking and up to 16 days of smartwatch battery life. The fēnix 8 then introduced AMOLED directly into the fēnix family.
Reasonable interpretation
Garmin appears to have consolidated the premium AMOLED outdoor-watch proposition under the fēnix name. For someone who previously chose Epix mainly for its display, the fēnix 8 AMOLED is the natural successor path.
Rank #4
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a bright 1.4” AMOLED display with scratch-resistant sapphire lens, durable titanium bezel and a built-in LED flashlight for after- dark visibility - weight is 80g
- Power up your body’s performance, endurance and resistance to injury with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, sport-specific workouts and a full range of built-in sports apps
- Battery performance: up to 16 days in smartwatch mode; up to 47 hours in GPS mode
- Your training readiness score is based on sleep quality, recovery, training load and HRV status to determine if you’re primed to go hard and reap the rewards (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- For your active lifestyle, a built-in speaker and mic let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone — and you can even use your smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
Not formally established by the launch announcement
Garmin’s announcement did not state that Epix was discontinued on a specific date, that support had ended or that the brand could never return. It is therefore more accurate to say that Epix appears to have been subsumed by fēnix than to describe a formally announced retirement.
Which watch should you buy?
Choose fēnix 8 AMOLED if the screen matters most
Choose it for the brightest, most visually impressive maps and watch faces, the 43 mm or 47 mm sizing options, and the microphone, speaker, calls and voice features. Accept shorter battery life than the Solar and Enduro models, particularly with always-on display enabled.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose fēnix 8 Solar if you want newer fēnix hardware without AMOLED
This is the better fit for users who prefer MIP readability and longer endurance but still want fēnix 8’s microphone, speaker, voice functions and dive-related hardware. The compromises are fewer sizes and a less vivid display.
Choose Enduro 3 if charging is the main problem
It makes the most sense for ultra-distance athletes, multi-day hikers and bikepackers who value runtime and a 63-gram weight above calls, voice commands or screen choice. Do not select it solely because its maximum battery number is larger: the 51 mm case and Solar/MIP-only display are substantial design decisions.
Consider Epix Pro or fēnix 7 Pro when discounted
An Epix Pro may be attractive if AMOLED is the priority and remaining stock is heavily discounted. A fēnix 7 Pro can be a strong value choice for buyers who want MIP, long battery life and Garmin’s established training and navigation features. Current prices and availability vary by retailer, region and stock, so check Garmin’s live product pages before buying.
Existing Epix Pro and fēnix 7 Pro owners do not need to upgrade merely because Garmin changed the product name. Upgrade for a specific benefit—AMOLED fēnix integration, the microphone and speaker, dive functions, the flashlight or newer software and hardware—not for branding alone.
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If diving is the primary use, compare Garmin’s dedicated Descent dive computers. fēnix 8 can support scuba and apnea activities, but “dive-capable” is not the same as covering every dedicated dive-computer scenario.
Look beyond Garmin for a different ecosystem
Apple Watch Ultra may suit iPhone users who prioritize cellular connectivity and smartwatch apps. COROS Vertix and Suunto Vertical are credible endurance and outdoor alternatives, while Polar Grit X2 Pro takes a different training-and-recovery approach. Compare phone compatibility, mapping, battery modes, training depth, dive functions and subscription requirements rather than assuming one is universally better.
Quick Recap
Important limitations before you buy
- Solar figures are conditional: Garmin’s maximums assume specified light exposure, including 50,000-lux conditions in some modes.
- ECG is not universal: availability depends on region, software and Garmin Connect compatibility. Garmin also lists age and medical-use limitations; the ECG app is not a replacement for medical care.
- Voice control varies: direct watch commands and phone-assistant features have different requirements, and the command set can change with firmware.
- Maps vary by edition: confirm whether maps are preloaded, downloadable or associated with Outdoor Maps+.
- 2026 availability is separate from the 2024 launch: newer fēnix variants, including fēnix 8 Pro models, are part of Garmin’s later product ecosystem. The original fēnix 8 should not automatically be described as Garmin’s newest outdoor watch.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
