Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix Pro (Gen 2): Distinctive Features

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024

Garmin Fenix and Epix series' main difference was the display technology, with the Epix offering a more vibrant and high-resolution AMOLED panel compared to the Fenix's lower-power transflective MIP display.

But the latest Fenix 8 features an AMOLED display, narrowing the gap between the two Garmin premium sports smartwatches. So how does the Fenix 8 vs Epix Pro compare? What features or capabilities set them apart?

Key Takeaways

Fenix 8 is more well-equipped with diving features, a built-in speaker and microphone, and a sports-specific strength training feature. However, the Epix Pro has its advantages with 4 distinctive activity profiles that the Fenix 8 lacks: Sail Racing, Sailing Expedition, Jumpmaster, and Tactical.

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 Pro (Gen 2)

High-End Outdoor Watch

✓ AMOLED Display
✓ Advanced Training, Health, Fitness
✓ Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ
✓ LED Flashlight

Buy on Amazon

#1 Price & Variants

Garmin Fenix 8

The Fenix 8 Series is available in 2 variants: Fenix 8 AMOLED and Fenix 8 Solar. The AMOLED model offers 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm size options with a Sapphire Edition available for each size. The Solar model only comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes and all have a Sapphire lens.

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

Epix Pro comes in 2 variants: Standard and Sapphire. Each offers three size options – 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm.

Epix Pro (2nd Gen) Series Pricing
Epix Pro Standard 42mm: $899.99
Epix Pro Standard 47mm: $899.99
Epix Pro Standard 51mm: $999.99
Epix Pro Sapphire 42mm: $999.99
Epix Pro Sapphire 47mm: $999.99
Epix Pro Sapphire 51mm: $1,099.99

#2 Design & Display

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

Both the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro come in three size options, but the smallest case size of the Epix Pro is 42mm, compared to the 43mm option for the Fenix 8.

While the Fenix 8 AMOLED and Epix Pro feature an AMOLED display, the Fenix 8 Solar retains the transflective MIP display normally associated with the Fenix series. MIP display is known for its power efficiency, but it may struggle in low-light environments compared to the AMOLED display which is brighter, more vivid in color, and and offers a higher resolution.

Sapphire models of both smartwatches feature a sapphire crystal lens and a titanium bezel, but the Fenix 8 Solar has a distinctive power sapphire lens that can convert sunlight into additional battery power. The rest of the models use a standard Corning Gorilla Glass lens and a stainless steel bezel.

The Fenix 8 and Epix Pro both have a 10 ATM water rating and military-grade durability, but the Fenix 8 takes it a step further with a dive rating of 40m. This is thanks to its leakproof buttons that use inductive technology, eliminating the need for a hole in the case. Additionally, the Fenix 8 features a sensor guard that protects essential sensors against damage.

#4 Maps & Navigational Features

Garmin Fenix 8

The Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix Pro provide three types of mapping: golf course maps covering 43,000 courses worldwide, ski resort maps for over 2,000 ski resorts, and multi-continent TopoActive maps for general outdoor navigation.

While the golf course and ski resort maps are preloaded on every variant of both the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro, the TopoActive maps are preloaded only in the Sapphire Editions of both smartwatches. The other variants require a separate purchase of the map for US$59.99 per continent.

Both the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro support multi-band GNSS for improved accuracy in challenging environments. SatIQ is also offered, which automatically selects the best GNSS system for the current conditions to optimize battery life and positioning accuracy.

However, both watches are different in the number of GNSS supported. Fenix 8 has an advantage with five GNSS systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou. Meanwhile, the Epix Pro only supports the first three.

#3 Health & Fitness Features

Garmin Fenix 8

The Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix Pro share a largely similar set of health and fitness tracking capabilities. Both devices monitor key health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress levels. ECG app is also supported on both models for detecting heart rhythm irregularities.

Both watches also provide advanced training features and performance metrics for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, such as training readiness, training status, real-time stamina, recovery time, Garmin Coach, Daily Suggested Workouts, PacePro pacing strategies, ClimbPro ascent planner, race predictor, multisport auto transition, and so on.

One feature that the Fenix 8 has an advantage over the Epix Pro is known as the Advanced Strength Training, a feature that creates 4-6-week strength training plans tailored to specific sports, allowing athletes of all types to train more effectively based on their individual needs and goals.

Another difference concerns the type of activities supported. While the Epix Pro supports 99 activity profiles, the Fenix 8 offers 98 activity profiles. Here is the list of exclusive activities supported by either watch:
● Epix Pro only: Sail Racing, Sailing Expedition, Jumpmaster, Tactical
●Fenix 8 only: Scuba Diving (single gas), Apnea Diving, Depth App

Based on that, we can see that the Epix Pro is more focused on sailing and military-related activities, while the Fenix 8 is more appealing to divers. The Fenix 8 also comes with a range of diving features, such as a dive planner, safety stop, and no-fly time.

#5 Smartwatch Features

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

With features like smart notifications, messaging, music storage, and Garmin Pay, the Fenix 8 and Epix Pro make not only a reliable adventure watch but also a great smartwatch companion for everyday use. They also feature a built-in LED flashlight, which can be handy in various situations.

The Fenix 8 also provides a built-in microphone and speaker, which unlocks a myriad of voice-enabled smart features. You can take and make calls when the watch is paired with a smartphone, record a voice note, access your phone's voice assistant, or make offline voice commands for a variety of tasks.

On top of that, the Fenix 8 also offers a Focus Mode, which can activate a set of customized settings for certain situations like Sleep and Activities. Garmin Share is also a new feature in the Fenix 8, which allows users to share their saved locations, courses, and workouts with other compatible Garmin device owners.

#6 Battery & Charging

Garmin Fenix 8 Solar

The battery life of both smartwatches varies depending on the model and size options, with the larger sizes generally offering longer battery life.

However, the Fenix 8 Solar certainly has a clear advantage with its solar charging capability that can extend the battery life significantly compared to the Epix Pro.

For example, in the smartwatch mode, the 51mm Fenix 8 Solar can last for up to 30 days or up to 48 days when solar-charged. Meanwhile, the 51mm Epix Pro is rated for up to 31 days of use in smartwatch mode.