Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix 2: Which to Choose?

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024

The newly released Fenix 8 seems to bridge the gap between the Fenix and Epix lines, offering a new AMOLED display that previously was a distinctive advantage of the Epix model. But when it comes to features and capabilities, which is the better choice between the Fenix 8 and Epix 2?

Key Takeaways

Fenix 8 offers diving-specific features while the Epix 2 offers more sailing and military-related activities. Fenix 8 is more robust in terms of daily smartwatch function, offering a built-in microphone and speaker that unlocks a range of voice-enabled features like calling, voice commands, and voice notes, which the Epix 2 lacks. Fenix 8 also offers a solar-charged model, though it replaces the AMOLED with an MIP display.

On our list

#1 Price & Variants

#2 Design & Display

#3 Health & Fitness Features

#4 Maps & Navigational Features

#5 Smartwatch Features

#6 Battery & Charging

Garmin Fenix 8

The Ultimate GPS Smartwatch

✓ AMOLED Display
✓ Advanced Strength Training
✓ Built-in Speaker & Microphone
✓ Dive-Rated

Buy on Amazon

Garmin Epix 2

High-End Outdoor Watch

✓ AMOLED Display
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ Multi-band GNSS with Optional SatIQ
✓ Optional TopoActive Maps

Buy on Amazon Buy on Synced

#1 Price & Variants

Garmin Fenix 8

Epix 2 comes in Standard and Sapphire Editions, which are priced at US$799.99 and US$899.99 respectively.

Fenix 8 Series has more variants depending on the size, materials, and AMOLED/Solar models with prices ranging from US$999.99 to US$1,199.99.

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 Epix 2

Garmin Epix 2 is only available in 47mm case size, while the Fenix 8 Series comes in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes. Both feature a bright, high-resolution, and color-vibrant AMOLED display, but the Solar model of the Fenix 8 replaces the AMOLED display with an MIP display that consumes less power but may have poor visibility in low-light environments.

The Sapphire Editions of both watches offer a sapphire crystal glass with a titanium bezel, while the non-sapphire or standard models feature a Corning Gorilla Glass and a stainless steel bezel.

Both the Fenix 8 and Epix 2 boast a 10 ATM water rating and military-grade durability, but the Fenix 8 is also dive-rated to 40m. This is because the Fenix 8 adds leakproof buttons using inductive technology that removes the need for a hole in the case. There is also a sensor guard that gives extra protection to essential sensors from potential damage.

#3 Health & Fitness Features

Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix 2 have a largely similar set of health and fitness tracking features. They both track important health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen sleep, and stress levels; provide advanced training metrics and insights for athletes; and offer a comprehensive suite of outdoor and adventure-focused features.

Some of Garmin's notable features that are available on both smartwatches include multisport auto transition, PacePro pacing strategies, ClimbPro ascent planner, race predictor, Garmin Coach, Daily Suggested Workouts, training readiness, training status, real-time stamina, and recovery time.

The number of supported activities is also very close on both watches, with the Epix 2 offering 99 activity profiles while the Fenix 8 offers 98 activity profiles. Here is the list of exclusive activities supported by both watches that the other does not support.
● Epix 2 only: Sail Racing, Sailing Expedition, Jumpmaster, Tactical
● Fenix 8 only: Scuba Diving (single gas), Apnea Diving, Depth App

The Fenix 8's main advantage lies in its support for diving activities, supported by a range of diving features like dive planner, safety stop, no-fly time, and more. Meanwhile, the Epix 2 may be more appealing to military users or those interested in sailing.

Garmin Fenix 8 has a distinctive Advanced Strength Training feature, which the Epix 2 lacks. This feature develops 4-6-week strength training plans tailored to specific sports, allowing athletes of all types to personalize their workout.

On top of that, the Fenix 8 also supports ECG, a heart-rhythm measurement feature that can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Meanwhile, the Epix 2 does not have this feature.

#4 Maps & Navigational Features

Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix 2 offer three types of mapping: golf course maps that cover 43,000 courses worldview, ski resort maps for over 2,000 ski resorts, and multi-continent TopoActive maps for various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and others.

However, TopoActive maps are preloaded only in the Sapphire Editions of both smartwatches, while the other models with Corning Gorilla Glass lens require users to purchase the maps separately for US$59.99.

One advantage that the Fenix 8 has is the support for QZSS and BeiDou satellite systems in addition to GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo already supported in the Epix 2.

The Fenix 8 also features SatIQ, which can determine the optimal GPS mode to use based on the user's location and environment, improving positional accuracy while also saving battery life. Garmin Epix 2 also offers SatIQ, but only in the Sapphire Editions.

#5 Smartwatch Features

Garmin Epix 2

With features like smart notifications, text response, music storage, and Garmin Pay, both the Epix 2 and Fenix 8 offer robust smartwatch capabilities that can integrate well with your smartphone.

However, the Fenix 8 is more advanced in terms of smartwatch features, with the ability to take and make Bluetooth calls, record a voice note, access Siri/Google Assistant/Bixby on the smartphone, and make offline voice commands with the Garmin assistant on the watch. All of these voice-enabled features are possible thanks to the built-in speaker and microphone the Fenix 8 Series offers, which the Epix 2 lacks.

On top of that, there are three more minor features that the Fenix 8 provides over the Epix 2:
● A built-in LED flashlight for emergencies
● Focus Mode for customizing a group of settings for different situations, including Sleep and Activities
● Garmin Share for easily sharing saved locations, courses, and workouts with others with a compatible Garmin device

#6 Battery & Charging

Garmin Fenix 8 Solar

Garmin Epix 2 is rated for up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or 6 days with the always-on display.

Garmin Fenix 8 has various battery life ratings depending on the model, but the Solar model has significantly better battery life. The 51mm Fenix 8 Solar can last for up to 48 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging, while the 47mm Solar model can last up to 28 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging.

Both smartwatches have Power Modes, a feature that allows for customization of in-activity battery settings, providing extended battery life when needed.