Garmin Fenix 8: An Expensive Upgrade That’s Hard to Justify

Garmin has just released the Fenix 8 for a shocking 1000€ (1000$ US), and alongside it, the more “budget-friendly” Fenix E, priced at 800€. While I’ve been eagerly awaiting the Fenix 8, the high price tag has left me questioning whether it’s worth the upgrade from my trusty Fenix 6. And now, with the also new Fenix E and last year’s Epix Pro Gen 2 also in the mix, the decision has become even more complex.

Fenix 8: A Premium Experience, But at What Cost?

When I first heard about the Fenix 8, I was excited. But when I saw the price, my enthusiasm quickly dwindled. At 1000€, it’s a significant investment, even for a premium smartwatch. The Fenix 8 does come with some impressive new features, but the question is: do they justify the cost?

The Fenix 8 introduces advanced diving capabilities and a built-in microphone—great for those who need them. But here’s the thing: I don’t. And I suspect most of you don’t either. These features, while innovative, seem tailored to a niche audience. For the average user who’s more interested in fitness tracking, navigation, and day-to-day use, these additions might not add enough value to justify the steep price.

Fenix E: The ‘Essential’ Option That Still Feels Pricey

Garmin also introduced the Fenix E, positioned as a more “budget-friendly” alternative at 800€. The Fenix E comes with a 1.3″ AMOLED display in a 47mm case and includes all the new software features and UI updates found in the Fenix 8. However, it’s important to note what you’re missing with this ‘Essential’ model:

• Old Gen4 Heart Rate Sensor: The Fenix E uses the older Gen4 HR sensor, meaning it lacks ECG capabilities and skin temperature monitoring, found on Fenix 8 and Epix Pro Gen2.
• No Speaker/Microphone: Unlike the Fenix 8, the Fenix E doesn’t have a speaker or mic, which limits its functionality for things like phone calls or voice commands.
• No Leak-Proof Buttons: A small but notable difference that affects durability in certain diving conditions.
• No Flashlight: A handy feature on the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro Gen 2, that’s absent here.
• 16GB Storage: The Fenix E offers only 16GB of storage compared to the 32GB on the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro Gen 2, which might be a limitation for storing maps and music.

For a watch that’s supposed to be the more affordable option, the Fenix E still feels quite expensive, especially considering that the main new feature it brings to the table is the updated software/UI. When you compare it to the Epix Pro Gen 2, the price for Fenix E is also hard to justify.

Epix Pro Gen 2: The Sweet Spot?

The Epix Pro Gen 2, priced at 600€, might just be the most balanced option among these new releases. It shares many of the same features as the Fenix 8, including the more advanced Gen5 heart rate sensor, but it comes at a much more reasonable price. Here’s how it stacks up against the Fenix 8 and Fenix E:

• Gen 5 Heart Rate Sensor: The Epix Pro Gen 2 has the newest Gen5 HR sensor, offering metrics like ECG and skin temperature, something that Fenix 8 has, but Fenix E lacks.
• 32GB Storage: With 32GB of storage, the Epix Pro Gen 2 gives you plenty of space for maps, music, and other data, compared to the Fenix E’s 16GB.
• Flashlight: The Epix Pro Gen 2 includes a flashlight, a practical feature missing from the Fenix E.
• Great Value: For 400€ less than the Fenix 8, and 200€ less than the Fenix E, you get a lot in terms of hardware and features, making the Epix Pro Gen 2 seem like the best deal overall.

Other worthy alternatives

It’s common to find great deals when something new is released, so here are other great options as well.

• Epix Gen 2: I have seen great deals for the non-pro version of Epix Gen2 around 450-500€ which makes it a great value if you are looking for even less expensive options.
• Fenix 7 Pro Solar: If you like the Solar option, great battery life and MIP display, this watch is just as great of a value as Epix Pro Gen 2, currently priced at 550-650€.

What to Do?

With all this in mind, I’m leaning toward the Epix Pro Gen 2. It offers the latest hardware and more features for a price that feels justified. The Fenix 8, while top-of-the-line, is just too expensive for what I need. The Fenix E, despite being marketed as the ‘Essential’ model, doesn’t quite deliver the value I’d expect at 800€—especially with its older heart rate sensor and reduced storage.

But I’m still torn because my Fenix 6 has served me well, even though it lacks some modern conveniences like detailed maps, AMOLED display and newer health metrics.

What do you think about the new Garmin releases? Are you considering upgrading to the newest models, or are you also looking at good deals for older models?