Customer Ratings & Reviews

I want to state that I like, almost everything, about this watch. Aesthetics, functionality, and everything in between. I won’t go into the details because if you’re looking into this watch I’m sure you already know what it has to offer when it comes to features and such. I can confirm I’ve had no issues with lagging or weird bugs associated with this watch after its launch, but mine is up to date with the latest software update. Now, my big problem comes with the battery life of this watch. Is it way better than the Apple Watch Ultras battery life? Yes is it better than the Fenix 8 Amoled?……. BARELY (maybe not I might be switching)! That’s terrible isn’t it? I’ve tried all the settings other users have recommended on both the garmin forum and Reddit platforms and I am getting approximately 10% drain a day, (WITH NO GPS ACTIVITIES). I chose the MIP solar version because I work outside all day, in SW Florida, so I figured if anyone can utilize the solar feature then I could, and since it’s always sunny and bright here I would almost never have an issue with the MIP screen. Battery consumption would be minimal for me….. so I thought. Now, this wouldn’t be a big deal if the watch wasn’t 1,200 dollars. Honestly it wouldn’t be so upsetting if Garmin wouldn’t boast “29 in smartwatch and 40 plus with solar.” I will most likely be returning this and trying the Amoled… and if that sucks then I’ll be sticking with my Instinct that’s been a beast for me. I hope this helps someone.

Great product. Upgraded from Instict. Easy to use.

One of the best watches I have ever owned. There are so many activities it offers and using the garment connect you have so many options for watch faces, and other apps.

Overall the best part about this watch is the battery life. Other than that the user interface could use some improvements for ease of use. The other things that I like are the ability to tap to pay (good replacement for Apple Pay), speaker, onboard maps, and flashlight. Lastly, I like that it allows you to track an array of physical activities such as indoor rock climbing which I do regularly. I recommend this watch but I will say that the thing that I like the least is the price.

Excellent watch but only if you will use all of its features. If youre a multi sport athlete or like to run, walk, joh, mountain bike, walk trails, exercise then this is for you!

I went from AMOLED to the MIP for solar charging, but I do not see the real effect of it despite being out in the sun a lot. Otherwise it's a great watch!!! May be going back to AMOLED though since the battery life was not drastically inferior to the MIP.

Got the same watches. One from best buy and the other one from another store. Same watches, big differences in construction. The BestBuy one doesnt let me pay for a watch face, every time i try my bank call me to tell me it is a risky transaction. With the other one is flowless. There also a difference in button vibration feedback. The BB is feeling cheaper or from time to time doesnt vibrate at all. I returned the BB and got an amoled version. Same problems. I think BestBuy without their knoledge is selling fake wathes. There a huge difference between BB Garmin fenix 8 and what i have purchased from another store. The quality build, the design, button functionality...;Something is wrong

As a marathon runner and fitness enthusiast, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire has been a game-changer for me. The build quality is phenomenal, and the 51mm size feels substantial without being bulky. The Solar Sapphire display not only looks stunning but also extends battery life significantly—a huge plus during long training sessions or races. The GPS accuracy is top-notch, even in dense urban areas or wooded trails. I especially appreciate the detailed running metrics, including cadence, stride length, and recovery insights. It’s like having a personal coach on my wrist. Plus, the heart rate monitoring and VO2 max tracking have helped me fine-tune my training plans. Another standout feature is the solar charging. It adds just enough juice to get me through those extra-long runs without worrying about battery life. The smartwatch features, such as notifications and music controls, are intuitive and keep me connected without pulling out my phone. Overall, this watch is perfect for serious runners, adventurers, or anyone looking to elevate their fitness game. It's a bit of an investment, but if you're passionate about your performance, it’s worth every penny. Highly recommend!

I have heard the new Fenix 8 had some issues and was glitchy. For the two months I have had mine it has preformed flawless. A large learning curve but the more time you spend, the more worth the watch has.

Great watch. Battery life is great. Some watch functions do not work seamlessly with apple. Watch faces are decent. Having built in solar is a bonus to keep watch charged.

I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Has all of the functions I wanted and more. The ability to change the faces is a plus.

The best Watch, my brother enjoy a lot his Watch. Has more quality thanks Apple or Samsung Watches

A 51mm display is more like 36mm display everything else is garbage you have to go into a dark room to see your watch time or buy a telescope because you will never see your time complete garbage

Somewhat easier to use than the early Fenix 7. New UI is neat and I like the phone integration. However, be aware that the software is buggy. I've reported several issues directly to Garmin. They are extraordinarily receptive in acknowledging there are still glitches, and they report your findings directly to the tech team. It's a very interesting process. However, they are charging a premium for this product, not paying me, and I feel like a beta tester. I've never had a Garmin device where I was actively helping to identify glitches. If this product was not ready to launch, then they should have delayed launch or offered a discount to beta testers. I will likely keep it but there is a possibility I'll return it and hold onto my 7 until the kinks in the 8 are worked out. That said, it was also a hard decision to get this one over the AMOLED version. However, everyone I speak with who has the solar version is happy with it, and many, including reps at Garmin that have one, feel this version is the better one at this time. Easier to see in all conditions and much better battery life are both important factors. For me, charging every 25 days rather than every 4 days was the biggest swaying factor. Lastly, I dont understand why you can hear people over the speaker but apparently not music. Maybe I'm missing something. That's an odd limitation.