The Garmin Fenix 8 is available with different display variants for the first time. We looked at both an OLED version and a solar model with a MIP display. In this test we clarify what the solar version can do.
With the Fenix 8, Garmin is bringing to market the latest version of one of the most successful high-end smartwatches for athletes. What is new this time is the version with an OLED display, which we have already tested in detail. We will now take a look at the Fenix 8 Solar with MIP display (memory in pixels) and check how the watch performs in the test compared to the OLED version. Since the two versions of the Fenix 8 only differ in a few features that affect the display, we will only briefly discuss individual points. We show a detailed discussion of the features in the Garmin Fenix 8 OLED test (test report).
Design and operation
If you place the Garmin Fenix 8 OLED and the Fenix 8 Solar next to each other, there are no noticeable external differences. Both watches have the five control buttons on the side that are typical of Garmin watches and the huge bezel, which is a bit more subtle and narrow than that of the Fenix 7. The Fenix 8 Solar is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes. The smaller 43mm model is only available with OLED. The LED flashlight embedded in the housing is integrated in both versions.
The models differ significantly when it comes to bracelets: Garmin sells the Fenix 8 Solar with a black or neon yellow silicone bracelet, while the Fenix 8 OLED is available with a larger selection of color variants. What is especially noticeable compared to the Fenix 7 Solar is that the manufacturer has installed a plastic clasp instead of the metal clasp on the Fenix 8. Given the high price that Garmin is charging for the Fenix 8, this is understandable. After all, the durability of the bracelet is potentially affected as a result.
But let’s dive into the details that differentiate the Fenix 8 Solar from the Fenix 8 OLED: the display. When comparing the two Fenix 8 models to each other, the differences in the user interface are particularly noticeable. Compared to MIP displays, OLED technology allows higher resolution (454 × 454 instead of 260 × 260 pixels) and better contrast. This is also noticeable when displaying content on the screen. The interface of the OLED version is a bit more modern and elegant compared to the Fenix 8 Solar. In comparison, the menu design of the Fenix 8 Solar is based on the previous model. However, the Fenix 8 OLED’s display turns off by default to save energy. The MIP display remains on permanently, but the brightness decreases after a short period of time.
This makes the Fenix 8 Solar quite similar to the Fenix 7 Solar, but with one difference: at maximum light levels, the Fenix 8 Solar’s display is significantly brighter than the Fenix 7 Solar. Garmin has made improvements here compared to its predecessor. But otherwise there’s no need to hide MIP displays from OLED models, as the usability and readability is impressive.
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar – Photo Gallery
garmin fenix 8 solar
garmin fenix 8 solar
garmin fenix 8 solar
garmin fenix 8 solar
garmin fenix 8 solar
garmin fenix 8 solar
Features and Apps
When setting up the Fenix 8 and the associated Connect app, the Fenix 8 Solar is no different from the Fenix 8 OLED. So that’s all at this point: Setup is done via Bluetooth and using the Garmin Connect app. The process only takes a few minutes and is easy to do. Like the Fenix 8 AMOLED, you can also make various personalized settings for the Solar Edition to customize the usage experience according to your needs. There is no version of the Fenix 8 with mobile communications.
Activity and Training
We’ve already discussed the Fenix 8’s activity and training tracking in detail in our testing of the OLED version. In comparison, nothing changes with the Fenix 8 Solar: changes to the options menu and additional displays for individual sports remain the same, as does the diving certification. The Fenix 8 Solar also has a corresponding function for diving up to 40 meters depth and a corresponding depth app. The sports profiles are also the same and, like the Fenix 8 OLED, we also miss a fitness profile for functional training, CrossFit or HiRocks in the solar version with MIP display.
The pulse sensor on the Fenix 8 Solar is just as impressive as it was with the Fenix 8 OLED. Garmin has installed the same hardware here, which delivers very good performance. The Fenix 8 Solar also measures our heart rate with high accuracy and can withstand pulse rate fluctuations without causing significant deviations compared to a chest strap. The tools for training planning via the app, calculating endurance performance, training conditions, recovery time, running efficiency and running time forecasting work identically in both models.
Sleep tracking and other features
When it comes to sleep tracking, the Fenix 8 Solar offers a good figure, just like the Fenix 8 AMOLED, even though there is no difference between the models and no innovations compared to its predecessor. The Fenix 8 Solar reliably records our sleep data and allows us to draw conclusions about long-term trends. The watch is comfortable to wear while sleeping and the alarm function also works reliably.
All the additional functions offered by the Fenix 8 Solar are fully in line with the Fenix 8 OLED. Extensive navigation options including Outdoor Maps+, TopoActive Maps, SatIQ and roundtrip routing are available on both models. However, the maps on the display of the Fenix 8 Solar are not as high resolution as those on the Fenix 8 OLED. This means that the Fenix 8 OLED offers better readability of cards than the Fenix 8 Solar, but in practice this has only a minor effect.
In contrast, making phone calls and using the integrated microphone for voice commands and SMS input works the same way on both models, i.e. flawlessly. With the Fenix 8 Solar we can also answer incoming calls using the watch using the integrated microphone or voice commands. The LED flashlight mounted on the top of the housing can be adjusted to multiple brightness levels on the Fenix 8 Solar, and a red light is also available on both versions.
Battery
The difference in display between the two Fenix 8 models also means a difference in battery life. While Garmin specifies the battery life of the Fenix 8 OLED as up to 16 days (6 days in always-on mode) or 21 days in energy-saving mode, the Fenix 8 Solar is said to last significantly longer. , Smartwatch mode keeps the watch running for 21 days or 28 days with solar charging. In energy saving mode, the Fenix 8 Solar should last up to 34 days or 58 days with solar charging.
These values are a significant increase not only compared to the Fenix 8 OLED, but also compared to the Fenix 7 Solar. On paper, Garmin has taken the lead here. In practical testing the following picture emerged: We wore the watch permanently at full brightness with notifications activated and recorded a total of five one and a half hour training sessions. GPS tracking was active for a total of six hours. In autumn weather with few hours of sunshine and practically no solar effects, the Fenix 8 Solar lasted for ten days without recharging. This means the watch lasted longer than the Fenix 8 OLED. So if you value long battery life, the solar version is better for you than the OLED smartwatch.
By the way: The fact that Garmin did not bring the Fenix 8 to the market with solar function and OLED display seems only fair.
price
Compared to the Fenix 7, Garmin has once again increased the price of the Fenix 8. The price of Fenix 8 Solar with MIP display ranges from 1099 euros to 1199 euros depending on the display size. The current best offer for the 47mm version is here 979 eurosLarger 51mm model debuts 1040 eurosSo this watch is almost twice as expensive as the Fenix 7 Pro Solar (test report).
conclusion
While we criticized the Fenix 8 OLED in our test findings for Garmin focusing too much on innovations like diving mode and the display, that criticism is even more pronounced with the Fenix 8 Solar. Apart from the diving mode, higher display brightness, and slightly longer battery life, nothing has changed on the Fenix 8 Solar compared to the Fenix 7 Solar.
That’s why Garmin faces the question of who should buy the Fenix 8 Solar. The Fenix 7 Solar is inferior to its successor only in a few small details, but it costs at least 350 euros less, depending on the model and the current street price. So the Fenix 8 Solar is still a very good watch for us, but it is only worth choosing over the Fenix 7 Solar in special cases.
However, if you don’t have a Fenix 7 yet and you value good readability and long battery life in sunlight, the Solar Edition with MIP display is an excellent choice for outdoor fitness. If you can live with the shorter battery life, you get a nice and sharp display with the Fenix 8 OLED.
