The Garmin Fenix 8 is creating quite a buzz in the adventure watch arena with its innovative features like voice control and a vibrant OLED screen. As we take a closer look, how does this latest offering from Garmin measure up against the competition, especially considering the recent price increase?

“The Fenix 8 marks a major milestone for Garmin,” says Samuel Gibbs, Consumer Technology Editor at The Guardian. “By combining voice control with an OLED display, Garmin has effectively merged the strengths of its Fenix and Epix lines, positioning itself to compete with advanced smartwatches from giants like Apple and Samsung.”

Historically, the Fenix line has been where Garmin showcases its latest technological advancements, often introducing features that eventually make their way to products like the popular Forerunner series. “It definitely feels more modern now,” Gibbs points out, but with a starting price of £870 (around $1,000), these enhancements come with a noticeable cost—a £120 increase compared to the previous model.

The Fenix 8 keeps the familiar five-button and touchscreen layout, enhanced by a durable design and new metal guards for sensor protection. It even includes specialized diving buttons. “One of the standout features is the LED torch from the Fenix 7 Pro,” Gibbs adds. “This is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts.”

The new OLED display offers a sophisticated aesthetic compared to the standard LCDs, and the redesigned interface is aimed at modern users. “The haptic feedback for button interactions takes a little getting used to, but it’s a nice touch,” Gibbs notes. The notification system resembles that of an Apple Watch, complete with color coding and quick replies when paired with an Android device.

Voice control has also seen improvements. While accessing Siri or Google Assistant can be slightly awkward, Garmin’s offline voice command feature allows users to perform tasks hands-free, like setting timers, which Gibbs finds to be a key advantage in a smartwatch.

On the fitness tracking front, the Fenix 8 excels with its accurate dual-band GPS and upgraded heart rate sensor. It supports over 100 activities and boasts diving capabilities down to 40 meters—an exciting addition for underwater sports enthusiasts.

However, battery life remains a concern, even with the impressive features. The 47mm version lasts over seven days with regular use, which is respectable for an OLED device, but it falls short compared to previous models with LCD screens. “The trade-off is worthwhile for that stunning display,” Gibbs remarks.

From a sustainability perspective, while the Fenix 8 is generally repairable and offers software updates for a minimum of two years, it still doesn’t utilize recycled materials in its construction.

In terms of pricing, the Fenix 8 starts at £869.99 (about $999.99) and can rise to £1,119.99 for the high-end models, placing it in a higher price bracket compared to other Garmin products and smartwatches from Apple and Suunto.

In conclusion, while the Fenix 8 definitely represents a significant step forward for Garmin, boasting a range of remarkable features tailored for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers, Gibbs notes that the increased price may deter some buyers. “Even though it tracks nearly every sport imaginable, users might still find Garmin’s smartwatch capabilities lagging behind those of Apple or Google.”

The pros include an impressive OLED display, comprehensive tracking features, offline voice control, and solid battery life. However, the hefty price tag, limited banking support for Garmin Pay, and slower voice functions indicate that this device is still navigating its place in the smartwatch market.