← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Suunto Vertical Solar
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 1.4" AMOLED display and an impressive 16-day battery life. In real-world use, that AMOLED screen shines with 1000 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor visibility, while the Suunto Vertical Solar offers a longer battery life of up to 60 days thanks to its solar charging capabilities. Here's the key difference: the Garmin fēnix 8 excels in display quality, but the Suunto Vertical Solar crushes it in battery longevity. If you're planning a long trek or multiple days without access to charging, that 60-day battery life with solar is a game changer. However, if you prioritize vibrant visuals and diving features, the Garmin is definitely worth the investment for 2026 and beyond.
⚖️ Weight: 2.58 oz vs 2.61 oz🔋 Battery Life: 16 days (Garmin) vs 60 days (Suunto with solar)🏋️♂️ Workout Modes: 100+ (Garmin) vs 95+ (Suunto)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Check Amazon Price→
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3
(200)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Suunto Vertical Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Suunto Vertical Solar
1.4 in
Resolution
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
454 x 454 pixels
Suunto Vertical Solar
280 x 280 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
32GB
Suunto Vertical Solar
32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
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
Suunto Vertical Solar
Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g)Winner
Suunto Vertical Solar
74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Water Resistance
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters
Suunto Vertical Solar
100 m (10 ATM)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Suunto Vertical Solar
Suunto UI
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Suunto Vertical Solar
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) vs Suunto Vertical Solar
Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED)
★4.6(1,856)Amazon
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3(200)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) | Suunto Vertical Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,856)Amazon | ★4.3(200)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 47mm x 47mm x 13.8mm | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover; Bezel: Titanium or Stainless Steel; Lens: Sapphire Crystal or Corning Gorilla Glass | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available; 1000 nits peak brightness | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | 1.4 in |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Passive technology) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters); Dive rated (EN13319) to 40 meters | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H thermal/shock/water tested; Leakproof inductive buttons; Metal sensor guard | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
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) | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) |
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 | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max |
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 | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation |
Storage | 32GB | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) |
Speaker Mic | Built-in Speaker; Built-in Microphone (Voice Assistant & Voice Notes) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | Yes (Make and take calls via Bluetooth connection to smartphone) | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) |
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 | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging |
Weight | Stainless Steel: 80g (Case only: 59g); Titanium: 73g (Case only: 52g) | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone); QuickFit 22mm compatible | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; Garmin Messenger app; Outdoor Maps+ (subscription optional); SkiView Maps | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Suunto Vertical Solar
Rating:★4.3(200)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (Passive technology)
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m)
Health Features:HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation
Storage:32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android)
Battery:Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Suunto's 60-day battery when it comes to daily usability and vibrant display. That said, grab the Suunto Vertical Solar if you need extreme battery life for long outdoor adventures - it's a solid 60 days when solar charged.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin fēnix 8 (47mm AMOLED) if: you want a vibrant AMOLED display for outdoor use, need advanced diving features rated to 40m, or prefer a smartwatch that can take calls.
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you require battery life extending up to 60 days, want free global offline maps for navigation, or prefer a similar-weight watch for extreme conditions.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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. Suunto Vertical Solar is better if you prioritize industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.