Garmin's latest flagship is getting smarter, giving me less reason to buy an Apple Watch

ZDNET's key takeaways

The Garmin Fenix 8 is available in three sizes and two display technologies, starting at $1,000The display is glorious, the LED flashlight is brilliant, the color options are attractive, the available activity functions are comprehensive, and voice notes can be captured without a phoneThe watch is expensive, always-on mode reduces battery life significantly, and the voice commands are a bit limited.

After purchasing a new Garmin Enduro 3, I have become fascinated by the breadth of its functions, the accuracy of its data capture, and its long battery life. For the past couple of weeks, I've been trying out its cousin, the Garmin Fenix 8, and I'm having a tough time deciding which one I want to wear in the long term.

Also: The best Garmin watches you can buy: Strong tracking tech for fitness, sleep, and more

The 51mm Fenix 8 is $300 more than the Enduro 3, whether you choose the AMOLED or memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. For that premium price, you get a watch with a speaker, a microphone, and dive support. 

If you are not interested in diving, I'm not convinced that the speaker and microphone are enough to justify the jump to a Fenix 8 from an Enduro 3. If, however, you want a smaller watch with an AMOLED display, a Fenix 8 is the best option, since the Enduro 3 is only available in a 51mm size.

The speaker and microphone let you carry out phone calls from the watch with your connected smartphone, much like an Apple Watch, a Pixel Watch, or a Galaxy Watch. The speaker isn't as loud as dedicated smartwatches, but it is handy for conversations when your smartphone is tucked away.

You can also capture voice notes with the Fenix 8. I have a shortcut button set up to launch this feature, as I often have creative thoughts while running and want to capture ideas without stopping to use a smartphone. The voice recordings are stored on the watch and currently do not sync over to your phone through Garmin Connect, but you can connect the charging cable to your computer and copy the voice recordings off the watch storage.

Also: The best Apple Watches we've tested (and where the Series 10 stands)

You can also activate the voice command option on the Fenix 8 to control many functions and carry out some basic tasks with your voice. By default, pressing and holding the top-right button on the Fenix 8 launches Voice Command, and you can also set up the feature on the Controls display.

Given the extensive settings and options on the Fenix 8, it's nice to launch apps and activities quickly with your voice. There is no hands-free launch phrase, so you do have to press a button to launch Voice Command.

Another interesting design change that I did not know about until I started using the Fenix 8 is the alteration to the five hardware buttons. After using the Enduro 3 for a month, it was clear there was something different with the Fenix 8 buttons: they don't provide that classic click feel when pressed. The buttons feel a bit softer, but there is a confirming vibration in the button and on the back of the watch.

Also: My favorite Garmin sports watch ever just got a new version, and it's $200 cheaper

The buttons are inductive, with a bit of haptic feedback, meaning they detect presses without the button physically penetrating the case. It's a different approach, and I'm not sure which button I prefer, but if the change ensures a higher level of water resistance, and possibly longer button life, then I support the move.

In my review of the affordable Amazfit T-Rex 3, I noted the ability to change the night mode to red, green, or orange. I'm pleased to see that Garmin now offers those same color options on the Fenix 8. Given that I've been using the lovely Spark Orange model, I have this night shift mode set to orange, and I love it.

Speaking of orange, the sapphire titanium Spark Orange model has a lovely orange metal strip on the right side that serves as a sensor guard. Orange is my favorite color and that highlight, along with the orange silicone band, makes it a watch I love to show off. 

The fantastic LED flashlight is a staple of many of Garmin's multi-sport watches, and I continue to use it daily on the Fenix 8.

Also: My favorite Garmin sports watch ever just got a new version, and it's $200 cheaper

The Fenix 8 has the same updated user interface as the Enduro 3. After prolonged use of this interface, I enjoy the grouped notifications and the start button interface that gets me to my favorite activities quicker and provides more efficient access to other apps and utilities.

Almost every sport and activity you could ever want to participate in or track is covered by the Fenix 8. So, while it is an expensive watch, it is the only one you will need to measure your health and wellness and monitor and improve your performance.

It's a joy to see the Fenix 8 has functions found on bike computers, GPS navigation devices, and golf watches. The Fenix 8 also supports scuba and apnea dive activities up to 40 meters deep, with a host of features that make the watch a fairly competent dive computer.

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Battery life is advertised as up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, dropping to seven days with the always-on display enabled. I tried using the feature where you can raise or twist to turn on the watch face, but I prefer glancing down to check the time and key data, so I've given up battery life to enjoy the always-on display. 

The battery life is one reason I am unsure if the Fenix 8 or Enduro 3 is best for me. Then again, there is a MIP display option for the Fenix 8, so you could get the additional speaker and microphone functions with longer battery life, too. I love the option of going on business trips and wearing the watch without worrying about charging it up during a week-long trip.

The 47mm Fenix 8 AMOLED should also provide up to 35 hours of satellite tracking with all systems and multi-band enabled. Music streaming to your Bluetooth headset knocks that battery life down to 10 hours. 

Also: I've tested dozens of smartwatches, but I'm wearing the Galaxy Ultra Watch long-term

While the integrated speaker isn't nearly as good as listening with Bluetooth headphones, it works nicely when working around the garage or in other situations where you want a bit of background music.

ZDNET's buying advice

The Fenix 8 is Garmin's flagship watch for multi-sport athletes and people who want one watch that does it all. It crosses further into smartwatch territory with the speaker and microphone functions, and the expanding third-party app support in the Connect IQ Store.

The display is stunning, the watch is built to withstand just about anything you throw at it, and the Garmin user interface has been modernized to provide a more efficient experience. It's nice to see three sizes with two display technologies in multiple colors, so you should be able to find the perfect watch from the 13 combined options.