When Garmin introduced the new fenix 8 a few months ago, they added some additional choices. Now, you may be finding yourself comparing the fenix 8 AMOLED vs Solar – and wondering which one is right for you.
You can find a more thorough description of the new releases here. But for today’s purpose, we’re just going to focus on the key differences between these two versions of the fenix 8.
And for the most part, it boils down to two key things: the display and the battery.
Let me run down the key similarities and differences between the fenix 8 AMOLED vs Solar and help you make a choice.
Is There a Price Difference?
First things first – is there a difference in price?
Not really.
The 47mm fenix 8 Solar retails for $1,099.99. The larger, 51mm version is an extra $100.
The 47mm fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire also retails for $1,099.99. There’s also a smaller, 43mm version available for the same price. The larger, 51mm version is again an extra $100.
The only difference is that with the fenix 8 AMOLED, the Sapphire Glass is optional. If you opt for the regular Gorilla Glass, you can get the watch for $100 less. With the fenix 8 Solar, the Sapphire Power Glass comes standard.
So unless you’re going to skip the Sapphire glass to save a few bucks, there’s effectively no price difference between the two watches.
The Different Displays: AMOLED vs MIP
The primary difference between the fenix 8 AMOLED and the fenix 8 Solar is the display. And it’s likely the one thing that will drive your decision.
As the name might suggest, the fenix 8 AMOLED comes with Garmin’s new AMOLED display. If you’re upgrading from a Garmin epix or Venu – or if you’re jumping over from the Apple watch or something similar – then you might be used to this AMOLED display.
It’s brighter and has more vibrant colors. Aesthetically, it’s more like a smartwatch and looks less like a traditional running watch. It’s also a higher resolution (454px).
The downside is that the display drains the battery faster. To preserve battery life, the standard settings turn the display off when you’re not looking at it. It will turn on with a wrist gesture, or you can opt to leave it in always on mode – but that will severely limit the battery life.
The other downside is that AMOLED displays traditionally are harder to see in bright conditions. This is less of an issue with the current generation of watches, but it’s still something to consider if you’re often out in bright sunlight.
The fenix 8 Solar, on the other hand, comes with the traditional MIP display. This is a more energy efficient display, which is easier to read in bright daylight. Until recently, most traditional running watches came with this kind of display.
It’s also less offensive to your eyes in a dark room. The more muted colors and brightness is easier to look at, while the brighter AMOLED can be a bit shocking – like turning on your phone in the pitch black.
This display is lower resolution (260px). And because of the solar charging ring, the effective display area is also slightly smaller (1.3″ vs 1.4″).
While many purists will prefer the traditional MIP display (myself included), it seems clear that AMOLED displays are becoming increasingly popular on running watches. Garmin has introduced the option with more and more of its models, and it looks to be the way of the future.
Battery Life Differences
The second major difference between the fenix 8 AMOLED vs Solar is with the battery.
This is for two reasons:
- The AMOLED screen drains the battery faster.
- The fenix 8 Solar includes solar charging.
How much difference are we talking?
For the standard size – the 47mm – the fenix 8 Solar is rated for 21 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Meanwhile, the fenix 8 AMOLED is only rated for 16 days. So that’s a meaningful dip, but the AMOLED version still has a decent amount of battery life.
If you opt for the always-on display, though, that battery life on the fenix 8 AMOLED drops to 7 days. So be aware that this is a significant drop in battery life.
With the fenix 8 Solar, you also get the (mild) benefit of solar charging.
The advertised battery life with solar charging is 28 days in smartwatch mode. That’s a 30% increase, and that sounds significant.
In my experience with a fenix 7S Pro Solar, you rarely get that much bang for your buck. That amount of solar charging requires a hefty does of sunlight exposure – several hours of full sun every day. While some people do get that much exposure, most people will not.
So while in theory the fenix 8 Solar has almost twice the battery life as the fenix 8 AMOLED, in reality it’s probably closer to 30-40% more.
If you’re really interested in solar charging, you’d be better off checking out the new Garmin Enduro 3. It has most of the features of the fenix 8 Solar and it’s cheaper.
Other Cosmetic Differences
There are also some other minor cosmetic differences between the two watches.
For one, the fenix 8 Solar does not come in the smaller 43mm size. It only comes in the 47mm and 51mm sizes.
The fenix 8 AMOLED does come in the smaller size. So if you want the smaller watch, you should opt for the AMOLED version.
The color choices are different, too. They all have an option for a titanium bezel and a black watch band, but there are some other options.
The fenix 8 AMOLED 43mm comes in silver with a whitestone band and soft gold with a dark sandstone band.
The fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm/51mm comes in titanium with a bright orange band.
The fenix 8 Solar comes in titanium with a bright yellow band.
So if you want the more muted black, it doesn’t matter. But if you’re into one of the other color choices, the model you choose will limit you somewhat. For the larger watches, you can always swap out the watch band. But if you want the silver or soft gold bezel, you’ll need to get the 43mm AMOLED watch.
That’s It? The Similarities
Yup, that’s really about it for the differences.
Otherwise, the watches are almost identical – with the same exact feature set.
They both have the same activity profiles and the same GPS capabilities. Each watch can display fully featured maps and navigate routes.
They both have the new dive features that distinguish the fenix 8 from the older fenix and epix watches.
And they both come with the microphone for phone calls and the voice assistant – probably the one reason why you would prefer the fenix 8 Solar over the Enduro.
Bottom Line: fenix 8 Solar vs AMOLED
If you’re making a choice between the Garmin fenix 8 Solar and the Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED, the primary thing you should consider is the display.
Do you want the AMOLED screen or the MIP screen? That’s really what it comes down to, and it’s something you’ll definitely notice every day while using the watch.
The secondary difference is the battery life. The fenix 8 Solar does have somewhat better battery life, and it’s possible you’ll see some additional benefit from solar charging.
But again, if battery life and solar charging are your primary concerns – you should definitely consider the Garmin Enduro 3 instead. Personally, I think the prices on the fenix watches are getting a little out of control, and the Enduro is available at a slightly cheaper, more affordable price point.
Which watch did you choose – and why? Leave a comment below.
Thanks for the really practical, succinct and ultimately useful review.
As you mentioned, prices are getting a little out of control (I mean in New Zealand, this watch is in the price realm of the iPhone 16 Pro now!), so I have to read dozens of reviews before buying. In all my research, you’re the first to call out the potential issues around the brightness of the AMOLED vs the MIP – all other reviewers only focus on its ‘glamour’.
My only use case for the AMOLED is more detailed mapping from the higher pixel count. As a screen, the MIP is far easier on my eyes and more suitable for social situations and in-gym situations when I don’t want my screen lighting up for all the world to see. And of course, the endurance of the solar version is perfect for me as in those scenarios, I’ll be outdoors for a long time, e.g. I’ve just finished a 7-day kayaking adventure with about 12hrs a day in the full sun with my 7X Saphire Solar – after 7 days on the water in normal sports tracking, my battery only lost 3-days of endurance over when I started.
Thanks for helping me settle my dilemma.