Garmin Fenix 8 vs Enduro 3: Who Are They For?
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
The Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 are the latest top-of-the-line multisport GPS watches from Garmin, offering advanced features and capabilities for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. However, with their own specific strengths, who are these watches best suited for?
Key Takeaways
Both watches are highly capable multisport GPS watches, but those who prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display, voice-enabled smart features, and diving support may find the Fenix 8 Series to be the better fit. On the other hand, ultra-athletes and those who value exceptional battery life and a comfortable, lightweight design may be drawn to Enduro 3.
Garmin Fenix 8
The Ultimate GPS Smartwatch
✓ Optional AMOLED Display
✓ Dive-Rated
✓ Built-in Speaker & Microphone
✓ Optional Solar Charging
Garmin Enduro 3
The Ultraperformance GPS Smartwatch
✓ MIP Display
✓ Lightweight UltraFit Nylon Band
✓ Built-in TopoActive Maps
✓ 90 Days with Solar Charging
#1 Price & Variants
Garmin Enduro 3
The Garmin Fenix 8 Series offers a diverse range of variants, with prices spanning from US$999 to US$1,199. In contrast, the Enduro 3 has a single variant priced at US$899.
Fenix 8 Series Pricing
Fenix 8 AMOLED 43mm: $999.99
Fenix 8 AMOLED 43mm Sapphire: $1,099.99
Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm: $999.99
Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm Sapphire: $1,099.99
Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm: $1,099.99
Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm Sapphire: $1,199.99
Fenix 8 Solar 47mm Sapphire: $1,099.99
Fenix 8 Solar 51mm Sapphire: $1,199.99
Read also: Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED vs Fenix 8 Solar
#2 Design & Display
Garmin Fenix 8
Garmin Fenix 8 has different physical specifications depending on the specific model. The AMOLED models have a 1.3"-1.4" AMOLED display in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm case sizes, while the Solar models have a 1.3"-1.4" MIP display in 47mm and 51mm. The standard edition features a Corning Gorilla Glass lens with a stainless steel bezel, while the Sapphire models offer a sapphire crystal lens with a durable titanium bezel.
Garmin Enduro 3 offers a sapphire lens and a titanium bezel, so it has more premium quality than non-sapphire Fenix 8 models but is equal to the Fenix 8 Sapphire variants. The Enduro 3 also has a distinctive UltraFit Nylon strap that provides a comfortable and lightweight fit for active use, allowing the watch to weigh only 63g despite its ruggedness.
However, the Enduro 3 features a transflective MIP display instead of the AMOLED display in the Fenix 8 AMOLED. Compared to AMOLED, MIP display has a lower resolution and may struggle in low-light conditions. AMOLED is brighter and more color-vibrant, so the Fenix 8 AMOLED can provide a more visually appealing display than the Enduro 3.
In terms of durability, the competition is neck and neck, as both the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 feature military-grade construction to withstand the demands of outdoor activities. However, what sets the Fenix 8 apart is its dive capability, which is rated for up to 40 meters of depth, thanks to its leakproof buttons using inductive technology that allows no hole in the case for water to enter.
#3 Health & Fitness Features
Garmin Enduro 3
Both the Garmin Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 can track key health and fitness metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen, respiration, stress, and sleep. A more advanced feature like ECG, commonly found in premium smartwatches, is also available on both models, allowing signs of heart rhythm irregularities to be detected early.
The extent of training and performance features are also comparable between the two models, with both offering PacePro pace guidance, ClimbPro ascent planner, Garmin Coach, multisport auto transition, Daily Suggested Workouts, Advanced Strength Training for sports-specific strength workouts, and more.
What makes the Fenix 8 Series shine is its support for diving activities like Scuba Diving and Apnea Diving, as well as a range of diving features like a dive planner, no-fly time, safety stop, and more. This advantage relates to the Fenix 8's dive-rated design, which the Enduro 3 lacks.
This makes the Fenix 8 particularly appealing for divers. But if you're not into diving activities, both the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 are equally capable as comprehensive multisport GPS watches for a wide range of outdoor activities and fitness tracking needs.
#4 Maps & Navigational Features
Garmin Fenix 8
Garmin Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 share a range of navigational features, including dynamic round-trip routing, TracBack, point-to-point navigation, breadcrumb tail, and more.
Positioning is enhanced by multi-band GNS that supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou, which is more accurate and reliable than single-band GPS alone, especially in challenging environments.
Using multi-band GNSS does result in higher battery drain compared to single-band GPS, but this is where SatIQ technology on both watches comes into play. SatIQ automatically adjusts the GNSS mode based on the environment, using the optimal combination of satellite systems to balance accuracy and battery life.
Both the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 support three types of maps: SkiView maps for skiing and snowboarding, Golf Course maps for golf, and multi-continent TopoActive maps for outdoor activities and navigation.
However, while the Enduro 3 comes with the TopoActive maps preloaded, the Fenix 8 Series only offers it preloaded on the Sapphire editions, while the other Fenix 8 models require an additional US$59 purchase for each continent of the TopoActive maps.
#5 Smartwatch Features
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 have a range of smartwatch features that can make daily life more convenient, including smart notifications, messaging, music storage and control, GarminPay, and a built-in LED flashlight.
The Fenix 8 Series is set apart thanks to its built-in speaker and microphone, which allow for Bluetooth calling, voice note recording, access to your smartphone's Siri/Google/Bixby voice assistant, or offline voice commands using Garmin's own voice assistant. Since the Enduro 3 is not equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, those voice-enabled features are not supported.
#6 Battery & Charging
Garmin Enduro 3
The battery life of the Fenix 8 Series varies depending on the specific model. The shortest battery life is found in the 43mm Fenix 8 AMOLED model, which can last up to 10 days in smartwatch mode or 28 hours in GPS mode. The longest battery life is found in the 51mm Fenix 8 Solar, which can last up to 48 days in smartwatch mode or 149 hours in GPS mode thanks to their solar charging capabilities.
In comparison, the Garmin Enduro 3 offers far more impressive battery life, thanks to its powerful solar charging capabilities. Without solar charging, the Enduro 3 is rated for up to 36 days of runtime in smartwatch mode or 120 hours in GPS mode. When solar-charged, the Enduro 3 can last for up to 90 days in smartwatch mode or 320 hours in GPS mode.
This makes the Enduro 3 the clear winner over the Fenix 8 Series when it comes to battery life and charging capability.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Garmin Enduro 3
Final Thoughts
Garmin Fenix 8
While both the Fenix 8 Series and Enduro 3 are great multisport GPS watches that offer comprehensive health, fitness, and navigation features, both models have their own unique strengths that cater to different user preferences and needs.
The primary advantages of the Fenix 8 Series lie in its vibrant AMOLED display, a built-in speaker and microphone for various voice-enabled smart features, and a dive-rated design that allows the watch to support diving activities and features.
Meanwhile, the Enduro 3 stands out with its exceptional battery life with solar charging capabilities as well as its comfortable and lightweight UltraFit Nylon strap design.
In conclusion, the Fenix 8 is best for divers and athletes who demand a balance of sports and daily smart features, while the Enduro 3 is tailored more towards ultrarunners and endurance athletes.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Garmin Fenix E vs Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix E vs Fenix 8
Garmin Fenix E vs Enduro 3
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix 2
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix Pro (Gen 2)
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Forerunner 965
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