For several years Garmin would release an annual update to its do-everything Fenix line and also to its Epix line which was, effectively, just a Fenix with an AMOLED screen. Well, Garmin finally decided to consolidate, and the Fenix is now the one line to rule them all. And I mean that, because it is very literally the best watch I’ve ever worn, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Not only can you now choose between a bright and colorful AMOLED screen or a solar-charging display with mind-boggling battery life, but there are some new features that make the latest Fenix even more versatile.
For starters, the Fenix 8 has cribbed the depth sensor from its Descent line, which means this everyday watch now works as a full-on dive computer for recreational scuba as well as free diving. The watch also now features a microphone and a speaker. This allows you to make some basic voice commands (start an activity, change modes, set a timer, open stopwatch, etc), record voice notes, and even answer a phone call—which I did a couple of times while showering. (There’s still no cellular connectivity, though, which is a bummer.) It also has a built-in LED flashlight (three levels of white and one red for maintaining night vision), which I ended up using all the time. It also has built-in topographic maps, 24/7 health monitoring, 15-plus-day battery life, and tracking for over a hundred different activities.
The Fenix 8 comes in 43-mm, 47-mm, and 51-mm sizes and is available in both AMOLED and solar screen options. Personally, I think AMOLED is the way to go because it looks so good, and charging it once every two weeks isn’t a big deal, but if you’re going to be doing some month-long treks in the hinterlands, the 51-mm Solar edition starts with a full month of battery life (up to 48 days with regular exposure to the sun). It’s expensive, but it’s fantastic. —Brent Rose
