Find out how the Garmin Fenix 8 has been updated with voice assistants and the ability to make calls. However, one will not get LTE support, which is currently a crucial feature, and they have raised their prices pretty high.
Garmin has added several new features to the Fenix 8; the device comes equipped with a speaker and a microphone that enables its users to make calls as well as interact with voice assistants. However, the failure to integrate LTE into the operating system is a key flavor that hinders the optimization of these enhancements. As for the smart functions, for many of them, the Fenix 8 still needs a phone nearby as in its main competitors.
The Garmin Fenix 8 steaks the territory between smartwatches and fitness trackers by providing extensive athletical tracking with many smart features. However, it is still unable to provide the continuity now seen in other premium smartwatches while it is such an attempt. Fitness features are still superb; however, all the smart integrations seem rather unpolished.
Platform-Agnostic Design:
Like most of its rivals, Garmin is still device-independent, so the Fenix 8 is supported by both iPhones and Android phones. Although this flexibility is quite laudable, the fact is, that some of the smart features don’t possess that level of fine integration you see in an Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch. While Garmin’s new Messenger app lets iOS users reply to messages, it is not easy to convince others to download another app.
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This model is something of a combination of Garmin’s Fenix and Epix models, and for the Fenix 8, the reviews are generally positive. Today, a user has to decide between the MIP and OLED screens: the former is good on battery, while the latter provides great viewing experiences. However, wearable wrist size is minimized to the OLED edition, thus, coverage for some customers is very limited.
The Fenix 8 starts at $999, which is high considering it lacks LTE, a feature found in both the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Garmin’s fitness tracking is as powerful as ever and it may suffice as a smartwatch for some but for those looking for features that are smarter but cost-effective, it might not be the best option.
Battery Life and Durability:
Battery backup of the Fenix 8 is excellent and even better in the Multiple Input Power, or MIP, Muti 7. X and Multi 8. X sizes that can run up to 30 days on solar power. This device is armored to quite an extent and has many sensors that can be greatly useful to professional athletes, but it remains unclear if the enhancements are worth the price for most people.
As with all previous Fenix watches, Garmin has improved the watch’s intelligence but still lacks the right solution for an intelligent smartwatch. While the fitness features are still first-rate, there is no LTE support, and the cost is still steep which could put some people off from switching from other competitors.
Specs Summary:
- Material: Stainless steel or titanium
- Display: Memory-in-pixel (MIP) or OLED
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (no LTE)
- Battery life: Up to 30 days (MIP), up to 13 days (OLED)
- Water resistance: 10ATM
- Sensors: Heart rate, blood oxygen, GPS, compass, and more