Garmin Fenix 8 vs Garmin Fenix 7: Key Differences EXPLAINED!

Intro [Music] today we're diving deep into a comprehensive comparison between the Garmin Phoenix 8 and the Garmin Phoenix 7 with the Phoenix 8's release it's time to see what exactly has changed from its predecessor the Phoenix 7 has been a reliable companion for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts since its release in 2022 offering Advanced tracking capabilities and robust durability on the other hand the Phoenix 8 is making waves now and Garmin has made some significant changes in this new generation while we're still in the process of Thoroughly testing the Phoenix 8 for a full review I'm excited to share the eight key differences between these two remarkable devices if you're trying to decide whether it's worth upgrading or sticking with your Phoenix 7 these points should help you and if you find this video helpful please help out the channel by giving it a like and subscribing let's kick things off with Display the displays one of the biggest changes G made with the Phoenix 8 is in the display Department if you've been eyeing the Phoenix 7 but wished for an AMOLED display you'd have had to look at the Epix range but Garmin has merged these two lines with the Phoenix 8 so now instead of choosing between Phenix and Epix you simply choose between AMOLED and solar models in the Phoenix 8 liner the AMOLED display on the Phoenix 8 is a real GameChanger if you're into vibrant colors and sharp details but for those who prefer the tried and true memory and pixel display with solar charging capabilities Garmin still offers that option this added variety makes the Phoenix eight more versatile and likely more appealing to a broader audience in terms of display options the Phoenix 8 takes the win for offering The Best of Both Worlds moving on to the design Garmin Design has also made some tweaks to the case sizes in the Phoenix 8 series particularly with the smallest model traditionally Garmin offered s models for those who preferred a smaller watch with the smallest being 42 mm in the Phoenix 7 Series for the Phoenix 8 Garmin bumped up the size of the smallest model to 43 mm but this size is only available with the AMOLED display if you're after the memory and pixel solar version the smallest you can go is 47 mm this change might seem minor but it could impact how the watch feels on the wrist especially for those with smaller wrists the increase in size might also bring some benefits such as improved battery life if you're someone who prefers a smaller watch the Phoenix 7 might still be your best bet when it comes to the build quality Durability durability has always been a Hallmark of the Phoenix series and the Phoenix 7 is no exception boasting 10 ATM water resistance a titanium case and the option of a sapphire crystal glass display Garmin hasn't rested on its Laurels with the Phoenix 8 but they have introduced some small but meaningful enhancements the Phoenix Phenix 8 models now come standard with leak proof metal buttons and a redesigned guard that covers more of the cas's right Edge these upgrades might not be a game Cher for everyone but for those who plan to use their watch in harsh outdoor conditions or water activities like diving these extra durability features could be a significant upgrade while the Phoenix 7 is already tough the Phoenix 8's improvements give it a slight Edge if you're looking for the most durable option another area where the Phoenix 8 stands out is in its operating system one of the wishes for the Phoenix 8 was an upgrade to the operating system bringing it closer to what's seen in garmin's AMOLED 4Runner range Garmin has delivered on this with the Phoenix 8 featuring improved Graphics that enhance the user experience making everything from morning reports to glance lists much more visually appealing the Phoenix 7 and epic Gen 2 have a more basic interface that doesn't quite pop in the same way this upgrade in the Phoenix 8 makes it more enjoyable for daily use especially if you appreciate a more modern and refined user interface it's a subtle but significant difference that might make you lean toward the Phoenix 8 if user experience is high on your priority list Garmin usually includes some Features exclusive features with each new generation and the Phoenix 8 is no different this time around Garmin has introduced guided strength programs and enhanced mapping capabilities the strength training programs are designed to help athletes meet meet their goals with personalized and follow along workouts while the improved mapping interface offers a more detailed view of terrain Contours and easier navigation features these new features are designed to make the Phoenix 8 even more appealing to Serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts while the Phoenix 7 Series offers a solid array of fitness and mapping tools the Phoenix 8's added features could be a GameChanger for those who want the latest and greatest from Garmin one of the more notable changes Speaker & Mic in the Phoenix 8 series is the addition of a built-in speaker and microphone the Phoenix 7 Series lacks these features meaning you need to pair headphones to get audio feedback during workouts or use voice commands these functionalities are built right into the Phoenix 8 allowing for hands-free operation in more situations you can set timers start workouts and use voice commands without needing to connect to your phone while this might not be a musthave feature for everyone it certainly adds a layer of convenience that the Phoenix 7 can't match if you're someone who likes the idea of smart commands and speaker functionality the Phoenix 8 is the clear winner in this category moving on to the price it's no Price surprise that the Phoenix 8 comes with a heftier price tag but it's not just a simple matter of more money for the newer model Garmin has made some changes in display options making the comparison a bit tricky the Phoenix 8 starts at $999 which jumps to $1,099 for the sapphire models in the 43 and 47 mm sizes and a whopping $1,199 for the 51 mm version on the other hand the Phoenix 7 is much more affordable starting as low as $649 with the Pro Models hovering around $799 to $899 if you're on a budget the Phoenix 7 clearly has the edge but the Phoenix 8's higher cost might be justified if the new features and upgrades are important to you so in terms of price alone the Phoenix 7 wins but the Phoenix 8 might be worth the investment if the new features appeal to you lastly we come to the solar charging Solar Charging a feature Garmin has included in the Phoenix 7 and has significantly improved in the Phoenix 8 Garmin claims that the Phoenix 8 solar Edition is 50% more efficient at harnessing the sun's energy compared to the Phoenix 7 while solar charging is a nice feature in the Phoenix 7 we found that it required a lot of direct sunlight often 10 plus hours to make a meaningful impact on battery life if garmin's improvements are as substantial as they claim the Phoenix 8 could make solar charging a more viable and attractive option especially for those who spend a lot of time Outdoors but it's worth noting that the 43mm Phoenix 8 doesn't offer solar charging so if you want a smaller Phoenix with this feature the Phoenix 7 s is still your best Conclusion bet as for my conclusion the Garmin Phoenix 8 brings some exciting upgrades and new features to the table making it a strong Contender for those looking to invest in a top tier Smartwatch while the Phoenix 7 still holds its own especially in terms of price and size options the Phoenix 8 offers more versatility better display options enhanced durability and new features that could make it the better choice depending on your needs if both budget is a concern the Phoenix 7 is a fantastic option but if you're after the latest technology and features the Phoenix 8 is worth considering