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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Garmin Enduro 3

The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the premium option here, offering a stunning 1.4" AMOLED display and a dive rating of 40m, which is unmatched by the Garmin Enduro 3. In real-world use, the fēnix 8's 16-day battery life is impressive, but the Enduro 3's solar capabilities push that to an incredible 90 days, which is a game changer for ultra-endurance athletes. If you're after serious battery life for long adventures, the Enduro 3's solar function means unlimited potential during outdoor activities. So, if you dive or prefer a vibrant display, the fēnix 8 is the way to go.

⚖️ Weight: 2.58 oz vs 2.22 oz🏷️ Battery Life: 16 days vs 90 days (solar)💧 Dive Rating: 40m vs none

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Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

4.6
(1,856)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
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Garmin Enduro 3

Garmin Enduro 3

4
(7)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display1 specs
Resolution
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
454 x 454 pixels
Garmin Enduro 3
280 x 280 pixels
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Garmin Enduro 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Garmin Enduro 3
63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strapWinner
Water Resistance
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Garmin Enduro 3
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Garmin Enduro 3

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

4.6(1,856)Amazon
Garmin Enduro 3

Garmin Enduro 3

4(7)Amazon
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)

Rating:4.6(1,856)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Durability:MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor; Depth sensor (up to 40m)
Health Features:Body Battery energy monitoring; Sleep Score and advanced sleep monitoring; HDR (High Dynamic Range) Heart Rate; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training (sport-specific); Recreational Scuba Diving (Single Gas); Apnea Diving; HIIT; Trail Run; Ultra Run; Triathlon; Skiing; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); and 100+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes)
Calls:Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (7 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps

✓ Pros:

  • Stunning 1.4" AMOLED display with efficient 16-day battery life
  • Legitimate dive computer features (rated to 40m) with leakproof buttons
  • Built-in LED flashlight and speaker/mic add massive daily utility
  • Comprehensive offline mapping and best-in-class GPS accuracy
  • Advanced strength training plans tailored to specific sports

✗ Cons:

  • High price point compared to previous generations and competitors
  • No LTE/Cellular option for standalone calls (requires phone nearby)
  • Titanium models with Sapphire glass command a significant premium
  • Proprietary charging cable (not wireless/Qi standard)

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Garmin Enduro 3

Garmin Enduro 3

Rating:4(7)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
Display Type:Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP display is always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging
Weight:63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina

✓ Pros:

  • Unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar
  • Incredibly lightweight (63g) for a 51mm watch due to nylon strap/titanium
  • Built-in LED flashlight is a game-changer for ultra-endurance events
  • Excellent visibility in direct sunlight thanks to MIP display
  • Preloaded TopoActive maps with SatIQ for superior navigation

✗ Cons:

  • Lacks the speaker/microphone found in the Fenix 8 series
  • No diving certification (unlike Fenix 8 which is rated to 40m)
  • MIP display is less vibrant indoors compared to AMOLED rivals
  • Large 51mm case size may be too bulky for smaller wrists

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the better buy for most people - its dive rating of 40m crushes the Enduro 3. That said, grab the Garmin Enduro 3 if you need extensive battery life for outdoor adventures - it lasts up to 90 days with solar.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) if: you dive frequently, want advanced training features, or prefer a vibrant display for daily use. (2.58 oz weight)
Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 if: you need 90+ days of battery life, participate in ultra-endurance events, or prefer a lightweight design.

Conclusion

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) and Garmin Enduro 3 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) excels if you value stunning 1.4" amoled display with efficient 16-day battery life. Garmin Enduro 3 is better if you prioritize unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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