The wait has been long, but the Garmin Fenix 8 is finally on our wrists. In 2026, Garmin will no longer just dominate the sports watch market; the American brand seeks to crush the competition (Apple Watch Ultra in the lead) by merging its two legendary ranges: the robustness of the Fenix and the AMOLED screen of the Epix.
This “Ultimate Guide” aims to dissect each component, each menu and each sensor of this watch, often sold for over €1100. Is this justified? Not always. This is why we have integrated our Amazon comparator expertise into this test to reveal to you how to get it up to €150 cheaper through Amazon Germany.
Design and Design: The Alliance of Titanium and AMOLED
The Fenix 8 marks a subtle but significant aesthetic break. If the silhouette remains familiar, the finish has taken a leap forward towards watchmaking luxury.
Three sizes, two screens, a difficult choice
Garmin now offers the ultimate choice without changing the model name.
- AMOLED (43, 47, 51 mm): For those who want deep blacks, vibrant maps and smartphone resolution. This is the choice we recommend for 90% of users.
- MIP Solar (47, 51 mm): For ultra-trailers who aim for infinite autonomy. The screen is duller, but remains on permanently (Always-on) without draining the battery and captures solar energy via the Power Sapphire ring.
The innovation of induction buttons
Waterproof & Indestructible Buttons
New architecture
It is an invisible revolution. The buttons no longer physically pass through the case. They use magnetic induction technology. Result ? No water entry possible, even if you press on it at a depth of 40 meters. The “click” is replaced by firm and reassuring haptic feedback.
Materials and Durability
We tested the Sapphire Titanium version. After two weeks of trail running in the mud and a few impacts against rocks, the bezel (DLC treated) shows no scratches. The sapphire crystal is, as usual with Garmin, imperial.
Interface and User Experience
The Fenix 7 interface was starting to age. The Fenix 8 ushers in a major software overhaul, taking advantage of the power of the new processor.
Modernized navigation
No more endless lists. Applications and activities are now grouped in logical folders. The interface is more responsive, the animations are fluid (thanks to AMOLED), and the font size has been adjusted for better readability in motion.
Simplified setup
Everything is configurable from the Garmin Connect smartphone application. You can configure your data fields (up to 8 per page!) without touching the watch. Synchronization is instantaneous.
Touchscreen finally matures
If the buttons remain king during exercise (sweaty hands or gloves), touchscreen becomes a pleasure for map navigation. Zooming in, out and moving around the TopoActive map is as fluid as on a mid-range smartphone, a feat for a sports watch.
Connected Functions: Garmin (finally) responds to Apple
This was the Achilles heel of the range. With the addition of a microphone and speaker, the Fenix 8 becomes a real smartwatch.
Assistant Vocal Hors-Ligne
Unlike Siri or Google Assistant which require a connection, the Garmin Voice Assistant works offline.
- "Start a running race"
- "Set a 5 minute timer"
- "Save this GPS point" Everything runs instantly, even in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
Wrist calls
The audio quality isn't that of a Hi-Fi system, but the speaker is good enough for taking a quick call while running or listening to music without headphones (although we recommend Bluetooth). The microphone filters moderate wind quite well.
Sport and Performance: Still the King?
Let's be clear: no watch in the world offers such depth of sports analysis.
The new world of diving
The Fenix 8 integrates the Garmin Descent diving computer software.
- Max depth: 40 meters.
- Modes: Scuba diving (air/nitrox), freediving, spearfishing.
- Data: Ascent speed, bottom time, safety stops. The induction buttons take on their full meaning here. This is a strong argument for all-round athletes who do not want to buy a second watch for their vacation.
Multi-band GPS and SatIQ
The precision of the trace is surgical. SatIQ technology automatically switches between simple GPS (economical) and Multi-band (precise) depending on the environment (clear sky vs. urban canyon). On our test route in dense forest, the Fenix 8 never deviated from the path by more than 2 meters.
New advanced metrics
The ScanPricer Tip: How to pay less?
The launch price of the Fenix 8 is dissuasive. But the European single market is your ally.
Why Amazon Spain/Germany?
Amazon subsidiaries manage their inventory and margins independently. In Spain, local competition often forces Amazon to lower prices faster than in France. Additionally, exchange rate variations or occasional overstocks create massive discrepancies.
How to proceed?
- Check the exact model (SKU or full name "Sapphire Titanium").
- Compare the links: Open the France, Spain and Germany links (see our purchase box below).
- Order with your usual account: No need to create a new account. Log in to Amazon.es with your French login details.
- The Guarantee: This is a European Garmin guarantee. In the event of a problem, Garmin France after-sales service will take care of your watch, regardless of whether it comes from Madrid or Berlin.
This amazon comparison method regularly allows you to save between €100 and €180 on high-end models.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Summary after 15 days of intensive testing.
Advantages
- Sublime AMOLED screen (perfect readability of cards)
- Indestructible and waterproof induction buttons
- Highly responsive microphone and offline voice controls
- Built-in real dive computer functions
- LED flashlight in all sizes (we can't do without it)
- Solid battery life (16 days in gesture mode on the 47mm)
Disadvantages
- Elite launch price (>1000€)
- The 51mm model is very heavy and thick for sleeping
- Solar charging (on MIP model) is less efficient than AMOLED is beautiful
- Proprietary charging cable (still no direct USB-C or standard induction)
Final Verdict
The Garmin Fenix 8 is not just an update, it's the culmination of ten years of engineering. It achieves the impossible feat of appealing to both the urban geek (AMOLED screen, microphone) and the extreme adventurer (durability, mapping, diving).
It is, to date, the best sports watch on the market, period. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is more "smart", but the Fenix 8 crushes it on battery life and depth of sports data.
Its only flaw is its price. That's why we insist: don't buy it at full price by default. Use our Amazon comparator tip below. If you find it under €1000 in Spain or Germany, go for it - it's an investment you'll keep for 4 or 5 years minimum.
Overall Rating: Excellence has a price (variable)
A near-perfect watch. Integrating AMOLED without sacrificing the Fenix's robust DNA is a triumph. It comes close to the maximum score, only held back by a steep pricing policy that European imports make it possible to soften.
