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Leaked images published on August 15, 2024 did correctly point toward a cheaper Garmin Fenix E and AMOLED entering the Fenix family. They were wrong, however, about the cheaper watch’s likely display: the Fenix E launched as a 47mm AMOLED model, not a MIP-screen alternative. Garmin announced the Fenix 8 range on August 27, 2024, before the rumored IFA launch window.
What the leaked images appeared to show
TechRadar reported that images attributed to WinFuture appeared to depict three Garmin watches: a Fenix 8 or Fenix 8 Solar, an Enduro 3 and a previously unseen Fenix E. The images were leak material, not Garmin specifications, and the report noted that complete technical details were unavailable.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Garmin fēnix® 8, 47mm, Black | $739.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Garmin fēnix® 8 Solar, Sapphire, 51mm, DLC Titanium, Black/Pebble Gray | $1,098.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Garmin fēnix® 8, 43mm, Whitestone | $799.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Garmin fēnix® 8, Sapphire, 47mm, Titanium, Spark Orange/Graphite | $999.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Garmin fēnix® 8 Solar Sapphire, 47mm DLC Titanium Black/Pebble Gray | $999.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Fenix E mattered because it suggested a lower-cost entry into Garmin’s premium outdoor-watch family. At the time, the apparent lineup also raised a broader question: was Garmin about to bring AMOLED into Fenix while reshaping the relationship between Fenix and the AMOLED-focused Epix line?
Read TechRadar’s August 15, 2024 leak report.
What the leak predicted
- Fenix 8 would introduce AMOLED displays to the Fenix range.
- Fenix E would sit below Fenix 8 in price.
- Fenix E might retain Garmin’s older MIP display technology.
- The E might be available only in a 47mm case.
- Fenix 8 Solar might come in 47mm and 51mm sizes.
- Enduro 3 might be offered only in 51mm.
- Garmin could be moving toward a combined Fenix/Epix product strategy.
- An announcement might arrive around IFA, which began on September 6, 2024.
Those were interpretations and forecasts based on leaked imagery, earlier rumors and product positioning. They were not confirmation of final specifications or pricing. Reports also disagreed about whether Fenix 8 would include a smaller 43mm model.
#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
What Garmin confirmed on August 27, 2024
Garmin’s official announcement established that Fenix 8 would be sold in two display families:
| Fenix 8 version | Confirmed sizes | Display approach |
|---|---|---|
| AMOLED | 43mm, 47mm and 51mm | AMOLED |
| Solar | 47mm and 51mm | Solar-charging display |
Garmin gave a U.S. suggested retail starting price of $999.99. Its launch announcement also highlighted a built-in speaker and microphone, an LED flashlight and dive-related capabilities. Garmin’s stated battery estimates include up to 29 days for the 51mm AMOLED model in smartwatch mode and up to 48 days for the 51mm solar model with always-on display under the company’s specified conditions.
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
See Garmin’s Fenix 8 announcement.
Rumor versus reality
| Leak-era claim | What happened |
|---|---|
| Fenix 8 would likely gain AMOLED | Correct. AMOLED models launched in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes. |
| Fenix E would be cheaper | Correct. Garmin’s U.S. comparison page lists it at $799.99. |
| Fenix E might use MIP | Incorrect. The official Fenix E uses AMOLED. |
| Fenix E might be 47mm only | Confirmed in Garmin’s current U.S. listing. |
| Solar Fenix 8 might be 47mm and 51mm | Correct. |
| Fenix and Epix strategies might converge | Directionally plausible, but Garmin did not formally announce an Epix cancellation. |
| Launch around IFA | Not quite. Garmin announced the products on August 27, before IFA began. |
Fenix E is a cheaper AMOLED Fenix, not a MIP fallback
The official Fenix E is a 47mm multisport GPS smartwatch with an AMOLED display, stainless-steel bezel and glass lens. Garmin’s U.S. comparison page lists a price of $799.99, exactly $200 below the listed $999.99 price of the 47mm Fenix 8 AMOLED.
That changes the interpretation of the original leak. Garmin did not lower the price by giving Fenix E an older-looking screen. Instead, it kept AMOLED and reduced the hardware and feature package around it.
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- 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
Fenix E versus Fenix 8 AMOLED
| Feature | Fenix E | Fenix 8 AMOLED |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. price shown by Garmin | $799.99 | $999.99 for 47mm |
| Case sizes listed | 47mm only | 43mm, 47mm and 51mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Solar charging | No | No on AMOLED models; solar versions are separate 47mm and 51mm models |
| ECG app | Not listed | Available where supported |
| LED flashlight | Not listed | Included |
| Multi-band GPS | Not listed | Included on applicable configurations |
| Voice calls and text functions | Not listed | Listed for Fenix 8 |
| Battery estimate | Up to 16 days; up to 6 days with always-on display | Up to 29 days for 51mm AMOLED, under Garmin’s stated conditions |
| Materials | Stainless-steel bezel and glass lens | Broader premium material and lens options, depending on configuration |
Both watches retain core capabilities such as built-in mapping, Pulse Ox, Garmin Pay, music storage, touchscreen operation, training readiness, training status and sleep scoring. Garmin’s comparison labels can change with firmware and regional availability, so check the live page before purchase.
Garmin fēnix E product page · Garmin Fenix E/Fenix 8 comparison
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
Which model fits which buyer?
Choose Fenix E if you want AMOLED and core Garmin features
Fenix E suits buyers who want a bright, colorful AMOLED interface, mapping and Garmin’s training ecosystem without paying for every premium sensor and hardware feature. It is a sensible choice for general running, hiking and multisport use when ECG, a flashlight and multi-band positioning are not priorities. Its single 47mm size is also a limitation for anyone seeking a smaller or larger case.
Choose Fenix 8 AMOLED for the fuller feature set
Fenix 8 AMOLED is the better fit if you need multi-band GPS, an LED flashlight, ECG where supported, voice features, premium sapphire or titanium configurations, or a 43mm or 51mm case. The price premium buys capabilities rather than a different display technology.
Best Value
- Advanced multisport GPS smartwatch for athletes/adventurers features a 1.3” solar charged display with scratch-resistant sapphire lens, durable titanium bezel and built-in LED flashlight for after-dark visibility
- Battery performance: up to 28 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 92 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 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
Choose Fenix 8 Solar when endurance comes first
The solar models target users who value maximum battery longevity and solar charging over AMOLED contrast. They are available in 47mm and 51mm sizes; Fenix E has no solar version.
What the leak implied for Epix
The Fenix 8’s move to AMOLED made a separate Epix-style AMOLED branch less necessary, which explains why the leak was read as evidence of possible consolidation. That is a product-positioning interpretation, not proof that Garmin formally discontinued Epix. The confirmed lineup alone cannot establish Garmin’s internal product strategy.
Important qualifications
- Prices above are U.S. figures. UK, European and Australian pricing differs, and discounts and stock change over time.
- Battery figures are Garmin estimates under stated test conditions. Always-on AMOLED use can substantially reduce runtime.
- ECG availability depends on country, software and eligibility; Garmin says the app is not available everywhere and is not intended for users under 22.
- Pulse Ox availability varies by country and the feature is not a medical device.
- Garmin notes that sapphire versions include maps, while non-sapphire versions may require map downloads.
Verdict
The August 2024 leak got the broad direction right: a cheaper Fenix E was coming, and AMOLED was moving into Fenix. Its central assumption about the cheaper model was wrong. Fenix E is not a MIP-screen compromise; it is a 47mm AMOLED watch that reaches $799.99 in the U.S. by omitting selected premium features. The practical choice is therefore between affordable AMOLED essentials, the more capable Fenix 8 AMOLED, and the battery-first Fenix 8 Solar—not between old and new display technology.
Quick Recap
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.
