Garmin Fenix 8 Solar vs. Enduro 3: Which Solar-Powered Sports Watch Is Right for You?

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Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3 smartwatch comparison showcasing battery life, speaker functionality, and outdoor features.
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3 smartwatch comparison showcasing battery life, speaker functionality, and outdoor features.

Garmin’s latest flagship solar-powered sports watches, the Fenix 8 Solar and the Enduro 3, are packed with features that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Both models are designed to track nearly every sport imaginable and include premium tools like full offline topo maps, best-in-class routing and navigation, and Garmin’s top-tier heart rate sensor. These watches are built to withstand the toughest adventures while providing long-lasting solar-assisted battery life.

But with the Fenix 8 Solar priced at $1,200 and the Enduro 3 at $900, the question arises: why the $300 difference? Despite their similarities, these watches differ in specific features that could influence your choice. From size variations to unique performance capabilities, each model has distinct advantages that may suit one type of user over another.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences—both big and small—to help you determine which Garmin solar-powered watch is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re a long-distance runner, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for the ultimate fitness companion, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

 

Weight: A Key Difference Between the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3

When comparing the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and the Enduro 3, weight plays a pivotal role in determining comfort and suitability for extended wear. Both watches share a 51mm case diameter, making them comparable in size, but their weight and materials set them apart significantly.

Case and Material Differences

The Enduro 3 is slightly thicker than the Fenix 8 Solar, a result of its larger battery, which has approximately 5% more capacity. To offset this added bulk, Garmin opted for a resin back on the Enduro 3, whereas the Fenix 8 Solar features a metal back. This design choice allows the Enduro 3 to maintain a lower weight, making it lighter and more comfortable for activities like running or hiking.

Weight Comparison

The Enduro 3 weighs 57g, while the Fenix 8 Solar weighs 67g in the 51mm version. Although the 10g difference may seem minor on paper, it translates to a 15% reduction in weight, which is noticeable when worn for extended periods. For athletes, less weight can mean improved comfort during long workouts or endurance events.

Impact of Watch Bands

Another factor influencing weight is the band material. The Fenix 8 Solar comes with a silicone band, whereas the Enduro 3 includes Garmin’s Ultrafit band. The Ultrafit band not only reduces the overall weight further but also enhances comfort, particularly during sports activities. This combination of a lighter case and band results in a 30% weight savings for the Enduro 3 compared to the Fenix 8 Solar.

Comfort and Fit

The Ultrafit band is a standout feature of the Enduro 3, known for its snug fit and adaptability to different wrist sizes. It’s particularly beneficial for sports enthusiasts who prioritize a secure yet comfortable fit. While the silicone band on the Fenix 8 Solar is durable and versatile, it doesn’t offer the same level of tailored comfort as the Ultrafit band.

However, one minor drawback of the Ultrafit band is its tendency to retain moisture after exposure to water, such as post-swim or shower. This can be slightly inconvenient but is mitigated by its relatively quick drying time of 15–20 minutes.

Wearability

Despite being a large watch, the Enduro 3’s lightweight design and Ultrafit band make it feel less bulky on the wrist. This combination ensures that even with its 51mm case, the watch remains comfortable for all-day wear, an advantage for individuals who prefer a lighter, unobtrusive design.

In summary, while both watches share similar dimensions, the Enduro 3’s lighter weight and more comfortable band make it the better option for those who prioritize comfort and extended wearability. For individuals focused on sports and outdoor activities, the weight difference is a clear advantage that enhances the overall user experience.

 

Display: Comparing the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3

When it comes to the displays on the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3, the differences go beyond the surface. While both models offer exceptional visibility and efficiency, subtle design tweaks and advancements in solar charging technology set them apart. Here’s a detailed look at their displays.

Shared Display Features

Both watches feature a 1.4-inch memory-in-pixel transflective display with a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels. This type of display excels in power efficiency, making it ideal for long-duration activities. Unlike the AMOLED display found on the Fenix 8 AMOLED, these displays prioritize battery life over vibrant colors, making them better suited for outdoor use under direct sunlight.

Advancements in Solar Charging Technology

Both the Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3 incorporate Garmin’s latest solar charging technology, which has seen significant improvements in efficiency and aesthetics. The new solar panels are blacker and more seamless, eliminating the reddish hue that characterized earlier models. This refined design not only enhances efficiency but also provides a more unified, premium appearance.

Improved Display Clarity

A major upgrade in this generation is the removal of the translucent layer on top of the display that existed in earlier versions. This layer was previously used for solar charging but slightly reduced display clarity. By increasing the efficiency of the solar ring, Garmin has eliminated the need for this layer, resulting in a clearer and crisper display without compromising solar charging performance.

Bezel Design and Solar Surface Area

While the Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3 share the same screen dimensions, their bezels differ significantly, impacting their overall design and solar charging capabilities:

  • The Enduro 3 has a reduced bezel size, which allows for a larger solar charging ring. This gives it about double the solar surface area compared to the Fenix 8 Solar, enabling it to harness more solar energy.
  • The Fenix 8 Solar, in contrast, retains a thicker bezel for added protection. However, the bezel still includes a protective lip to safeguard the display on the Enduro 3, despite its slimmer design.

Enhanced Solar Efficiency

Thanks to the increased surface area and improved solar technology, the Enduro 3 can capture more solar energy than the Fenix 8 Solar. This is particularly beneficial for users who spend extended periods outdoors and rely heavily on solar charging to extend battery life.

Design and Aesthetics

The integration of the solar panels into the display on both watches is smooth and well-executed, creating a clean, polished look. The Enduro 3’s thinner bezel and larger solar ring make it appear slightly more modern and streamlined, while the Fenix 8 Solar maintains a rugged and durable aesthetic.

Which Display is Right for You?

  • If you prioritize solar charging efficiency, the Enduro 3’s larger solar ring and reduced bezel make it the better choice.
  • For those who prefer a more robust bezel design with added display protection, the Fenix 8 Solar may be more suitable.

In conclusion, both displays are highly capable and designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. However, the Enduro 3’s enhanced solar charging efficiency and modern bezel design give it a slight edge for users who need maximum solar performance without sacrificing clarity or aesthetics.

Battery Life: A Comparison of Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3

When it comes to battery life, both the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and Enduro 3 excel, offering exceptional performance even without solar charging. They deliver robust battery longevity that suits outdoor adventurers, long-distance athletes, and smartwatch enthusiasts. However, the Enduro 3 takes battery performance to another level, offering groundbreaking endurance with the help of its larger battery and enhanced solar charging capabilities.

Baseline Battery Life Without Solar Charging

  • Both watches provide impressive battery life in standard smartwatch mode, lasting close to a month or more on a single charge without solar assistance.
  • In outdoor activity tracking, even at the highest accuracy multiband mode, they can support over two days of continuous recording, making them highly reliable for ultra-endurance events.

Enduro 3’s Solar Superiority

The Enduro 3 surpasses the Fenix 8 Solar significantly in solar-assisted performance:

  • With sufficient solar exposure, the Enduro 3’s battery life can double or nearly triple in smartwatch mode compared to its baseline performance.
  • It supports unlimited battery life in Expedition mode under optimal solar conditions, a feature previously exclusive to Garmin’s Instinct lineup.

Real-World Testing Methodology

Testing battery life under real-world conditions required several approaches:

  1. Covered Testing: Both watches were worn with their solar panels covered to test battery life without solar influence. Results showed both models met their baseline battery life estimates reliably.
  2. Uncovered Testing (Different Wrists): Each watch was worn on different wrists in direct sunlight. Results varied due to differences in sun exposure based on orientation to the sun. For instance:
    • Enduro 3: ~91 hours runtime.
    • Fenix 8 Solar: ~89 hours runtime.
  1. Same-Arm Testing: To ensure equal sun exposure, both watches were worn on the same wrist. The results clearly showed the Enduro 3’s advantage:
    • Enduro 3: ~112 hours runtime.
    • Fenix 8 Solar: ~75 hours runtime.

Impact of Solar Charging

The larger solar charging ring on the Enduro 3, combined with its reduced bezel size, significantly enhances its ability to harness solar energy. This is especially evident in activities with extended sun exposure, where the Enduro 3 consistently outperformed the Fenix 8 Solar.

Smartwatch Features Affecting Battery Life

One key difference between the two watches is the inclusion of a speaker and microphone on the Fenix 8 Solar, which adds convenience but may slightly impact battery life:

  • The Fenix 8 Solar allows you to take calls directly from the watch, provided your phone is in range. This feature is particularly handy for situations like hiking when retrieving your phone isn’t practical.
  • The watch also supports voice assistant functionality for both iOS and Android devices, letting you execute commands like “Call Mom” or perform searches hands-free.

Who Wins on Battery Life?

  • For extreme endurance and solar reliance, the Enduro 3 is the clear winner, with its larger solar ring and extended runtime capabilities making it ideal for those who spend long hours outdoors.
  • The Fenix 8 Solar still delivers excellent battery performance while providing added smartwatch features like calling and voice assistant integration, making it a more versatile option for everyday use.

 

Voice Commands: Garmin Fenix 8 Solar vs. Enduro 3

Voice commands bring a layer of convenience and functionality to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar that sets it apart from the Enduro 3. Equipped with a microphone, the Fenix 8 Solar enables seamless interaction with your watch, simplifying tasks that might otherwise require navigating through menus. Here’s a closer look at how voice commands enhance the user experience:

Replying to Text Messages

  • Android Users: Both watches allow predefined or custom text responses set up via Garmin Connect.
  • iPhone Users: While Apple restricts direct text replies to Apple Watches, the Fenix 8 Solar leverages Siri to bypass this limitation. You can send texts using Siri voice commands, either directly or through the text message interface.
  • Android Integration: Similarly, Google Assistant can be used on Android devices for voice-text functionality, adding flexibility to communication on the go.

Voice-Activated Commands

The Fenix 8 Solar microphone supports an array of voice commands that streamline daily activities:

  1. Setting Alarms and Timers:
    • Simply long-press the upper right button and say, “Set an alarm for 6 a.m.” or “Start a 10-minute timer.”
    • This eliminates the need to manually navigate menus, saving time and effort.
  2. Accessing Features:
    • Commands like “Show the weather,” “Start a run,” or “Show the map” provide quick access to essential functions.
    • For infrequent activities like “Start ice skating,” voice commands are especially useful, as locating these profiles manually can be cumbersome.
  3. Starting and Stopping Activities:
    • While commonly performed activities may still be faster with buttons, voice commands are ideal for niche profiles or less frequently used activities.

Voice Notes on the Fenix 8 Solar

  • The Fenix 8 Solar allows you to record voice notes directly on the watch, a feature absent in the Enduro 3.
  • This is particularly handy for jotting down ideas or thoughts during a hike or workout when accessing your phone isn’t feasible.
  • The notes are geo-tagged, providing context and location for each recording—a thoughtful touch for adventurers or those who brainstorm on the move.

Practical Applications of Voice Commands

  1. Fitness and Sports:
    • Quickly start a workout without searching through menus.
    • Pause or stop activities with a simple voice command mid-run or ride.
  2. Daily Productivity:
    • Set reminders, alarms, or timers effortlessly.
    • Use voice commands for navigation or to check the weather, reducing distractions during outdoor activities.
  3. Spontaneous Recording:
    • Capture your best ideas or create trail notes without interrupting your activity.

Advantages Over Manual Input

Voice commands are particularly valuable for tasks that are:

  • Time-sensitive: Like responding to texts or setting timers quickly.
  • Complex: Such as locating rare activity profiles or multitasking during workouts.

Fenix 8 Solar’s Edge

While the Enduro 3 excels in endurance and solar charging, the Fenix 8 Solar’s microphone offers versatile functionality, catering to users who value hands-free control and productivity.

For those who rely on their smartwatch for more than just fitness tracking, the voice command capabilities of the Fenix 8 Solar make it a standout option. Whether you’re sending texts, setting alarms, or recording notes on the go, this feature adds significant value, bridging the gap between convenience and functionality.

 

Speaker: Garmin Fenix 8 Solar

The speaker on the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar introduces several useful features, giving it a distinct advantage over the Enduro 3, which lacks this capability. While the speaker is compact and its audio quality isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a functional addition for those who value hands-free convenience.

Music Playback

  • You can play music stored on the Fenix 8 Solar directly through its speaker.
  • The audio quality is suitable for quick listening but is best reserved for moments when headphones aren’t an option, like enjoying a favorite Taylor Swift song on the go.

Custom Notifications

  • The Fenix 8 Solar uses unique tones and chimes for various alerts:
  • Incoming calls and text notifications.
  • Activity start and save confirmations.
  • Turn-by-turn navigation alerts.
  • These audio cues are more varied and friendly compared to the single-tone beeper on the Enduro 3.

Additional Speaker Features

  • The speaker enhances voice command functionality, allowing you to interact with Siri (on iPhone) or Google Assistant (on Android).
  • Useful for setting alarms, sending texts, or checking notifications without touching the watch.

Diving Functionality Support

  • The Fenix 8 Solar supports recreational diving up to 40 meters.
  • Its redesigned case includes leak-proof buttons, improving long-term durability for underwater use.
  • While the Enduro 3 has sufficient water resistance, its gasketed buttons may degrade over time when used extensively underwater.

Durability and Build

  • The Fenix 8 Solar features a robust design tailored for diving and heavy use.
  • Buttons on the Fenix 8 Solar may feel slightly less “clicky” than the Enduro 3’s springy, tactile buttons, but they are optimized for underwater functionality.

Torch Brightness

  • Both watches include a torch feature with four brightness levels and a red mode.
  • The Fenix 8 Solar’s lens clarity gives it a slightly brighter appearance, though the difference is minimal in practice.

Overall, the speaker on the Fenix 8 Solar adds a layer of practicality, making it a compelling option for those who value diverse functionality in their smartwatch.


Verdict

Choosing between the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar and the Enduro 3 depends largely on your priorities.

Why Choose the Enduro 3?

  • Battery Life: Superior battery life, especially with solar charging, makes it ideal for extended adventures.
  • Lightweight Design: The ultralight build and Ultrafiit band enhance comfort during prolonged wear.
  • Price Point: At $900, it offers excellent value for its features.

Why Choose the Fenix 8 Solar?

  • Advanced Features: Offers a speaker, microphone, and dive functionality, including recreational scuba diving and free-diving profiles.
  • Voice Commands: Seamless integration with Siri and Google Assistant adds convenience.
  • Durability: Leak-proof buttons and enhanced design make it a long-lasting option for aquatic and heavy-duty use.

Final Thoughts

  • If battery life and lightweight wearability are your top priorities, the Enduro 3 is the clear choice.
  • For those seeking additional features, smarter functionality, and durability, the Fenix 8 Solar justifies its higher $1,200 price tag.

Ultimately, your decision should reflect your lifestyle, activities, and budget. Both watches excel in their respective strengths, making either a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Edouard Balik
About the author: Edouard Balik is a Tech writer at Superfashion.us website. He creates Tech related articles using natural creativity and language tools, Market realities. Edouard loves discussing smartphones and smartwatches Tech and specs using his expertise in the field and reading their news. https://twitter.com/BalikEdouard

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