Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Review – Check What It Can Offer

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Garmin Fenix 8 Solar comes with solar charging capability, robust battery life, and premium AMOLED display. It offers a fluid and responsive interface, packed with fitness insights, GPS accuracy, and topographic mapping for a smooth all-around experience. With its perfect balance of durability, smart features, and long-lasting performance, the Fenix 8 Solar is a solid option for adventurers.

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What Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Offer?

  • The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has solar charging with a Power Glass lens that significantly extends battery life during outdoor adventures to reduce recharge frequently.
  • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has an AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and sharp clarity to read in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
  • It has multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology for highly accurate GPS tracking even in dense forests or urban environments.
  • The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has a real-time stamina to manage effort by showing remaining energy during long runs or hikes.
  • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has advanced health and fitness metrics like HRV Status and Training Readiness for improving recovery tracking and optimizing training plans.
  • It has built-in topographic, ski, and golf maps to provide detailed offline navigation and terrain insights during outdoor activities.
  • The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has onboard music storage and streaming support to enjoy playlists and podcasts without a phone.
  • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar has Garmin Pay to enable contactless payments on the go, adding convenience during workouts, travel, or daily use.

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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Solar charging extends battery life

  • Sharp AMOLED display

  • Multi-band GPS and offline maps

  • Deep fitness and health tracking

  • Durable design for harsh environments

  • Smartwatch features like music, pay, and calls

Cons
  • Premium price

  • Full features require Garmin Connect app setup

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Comparison

FeatureGarmin Fenix 8 SolarGarmin Epix Pro Gen 2Garmin Forerunner 965
Display TypeAMOLED + SolarAMOLEDAMOLED
Battery Life (Smartwatch)Up to 22 daysUp to 16 daysUp to 23 days
GPS AccuracyMulti-band + SatIQMulti-band + SatIQMulti-band
Topo Maps & NavigationYesYesLimited
Smart FeaturesMusic, Garmin Pay, AlertsMusic, Garmin Pay, AlertsMusic, Garmin Pay, Alerts
Stamina & Recovery ToolsAdvanced metricsAdvanced metricsModerate
WeightApprox. 89gApprox. 86gApprox. 52g
Water Resistance10 ATM10 ATM5 ATM
PriceCheck Fenix 8 PriceCheck Gen 2 PriceCheck 965 Price

FAQ

Does the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar support wireless charging?
No, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar does not support wireless charging. It uses a proprietary charging cable, but its solar capability helps keep it powered longer between charges.

How long does the battery last on a full charge with solar use?
With solar exposure, the watch can last up to 22 days in smartwatch mode and up to 73 hours in GPS mode, depending on sunlight intensity and usage.

Can I use the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar for swimming?
Yes, the Fenix 8 Solar is water-rated to 10 ATM, meaning it can be used for swimming, snorkeling, and high-pressure water activities.

Is the display easy to see in sunlight?
Absolutely. The AMOLED screen is bright and sharp, and combined with high brightness and contrast levels, it remains clear even in direct sunlight.

Does it work with iPhones and Android phones?
Yes, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar is compatible with both iOS and Android devices via the Garmin Connect app.

Can I store and play music directly from the watch?
Yes, it supports music storage from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music, allowing phone-free playback with Bluetooth headphones.

Does it support contactless payments?
Yes, the Fenix 8 Solar features Garmin Pay for secure, wireless payments on the go.

What kind of maps are included?
It includes preloaded topographic maps, golf maps, and ski maps for over 2,000 resorts worldwide, offering excellent navigation options.

Is the watch suitable for smaller wrists?
The standard version may feel bulky on smaller wrists. However, Garmin may offer an “S” version for a more compact fit.

Can I customize the watch face?
Yes, the Garmin Connect IQ store offers hundreds of watch face options, widgets, and apps for full personalization.

Does it track heart rate during sleep?
Yes, it provides continuous heart rate monitoring and gives detailed sleep analysis, including sleep stages and movement.

Is the watch good for mountain hiking and trail running?
Yes, its accurate GPS, altimeter, barometer, compass, and trail maps make it excellent for outdoor adventures in rugged terrain.

Can I respond to texts or calls from the watch?
You can respond to texts if you use an Android device. iPhone users can receive messages but cannot respond directly from the watch.

Does the Fenix 8 Solar support training suggestions?
Yes, it offers daily workout suggestions based on your recent activity, recovery, and training readiness.

Is the screen always-on?
Yes, the AMOLED screen has an always-on mode, which is customizable to save battery or keep key info visible all the time.

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