Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Enduro 3 are two of Garmin’s most advanced multisport GPS watches. Garmin Fenix 8 is Garmin’s flagship outdoor watch with rugged design, advanced durability, and top-tier features for adventurers. Garmin Enduro 3 is designed for extreme endurance athletes who prioritize battery life and rugged durability. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Fenix 8 features an updated processor that improves responsiveness and reduces lag when switching between apps and widgets.
- Garmin Enduro 3 uses a power-efficient processor tuned for conserving energy during ultra-long activities.
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Display:
- Garmin Fenix 8 has an AMOLED display that delivers brighter visuals and sharper readability in varied lighting conditions.
- Garmin Enduro 3 uses a MIP display that prioritizes efficiency and outdoor visibility.
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Resolution:
- Garmin Fenix 8 includes a 454 x 454 resolution screen that enhances map detail and data field clarity.
- Garmin Enduro 3 resolution is lower at 280 x 280.
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ECG Support:
- Garmin Fenix 8 supports ECG functionality that allows users to record and check heart rhythm health.
- Garmin Enduro 3 does not include ECG tracking.
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Temperature Tracking:
- Garmin Fenix 8 has wrist temperature tracking that provides wellness data related to body condition and recovery.
- Garmin Enduro 3 does not measure wrist temperature.
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Advanced Sleep Coach:
- Garmin Fenix 8 features an advanced sleep coach that gives personalized sleep insights and daily recovery advice.
- Garmin Enduro 3 tracks basic sleep data without advanced coaching.
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Preloaded Topo Maps:
- Garmin Fenix 8 comes with preloaded topo maps that improve navigation for hiking and adventure use.
- Garmin Enduro 3 requires map downloads for similar functionality.
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3rd Party App Support:
- Garmin Fenix 8 includes wider 3rd party app support through Connect IQ that adds more customization options.
- Garmin Enduro 3 supports apps with fewer optimizations.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
Garmin Enduro 3 |
| Display |
1.4″ AMOLED, high brightness |
1.4″ MIP sunlight-visible |
| Screen Resolution |
454 x 454 pixels |
280 x 280 pixels |
| Processor |
Latest Garmin processor for faster UI |
Efficient processor optimized for battery life |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) |
Up to 20 days |
Up to 60 days |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) |
Up to 80 hours |
Up to 200 hours |
| ECG Support |
Yes |
No |
| Wrist Temperature |
Yes |
No |
| Advanced Sleep Coach |
Yes |
No |
| Preloaded Topo Maps |
Yes |
Limited |
| 3rd Party App Support |
Yes |
Limited |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Fenix 8 if you:
- Want the best AMOLED display with sharper resolution.
- Need advanced health tracking features like ECG and wrist temperature.
- Prefer premium features like topo maps and stronger app support.
- Value a smooth, fast processor for quick navigation.
- Are willing to pay more for advanced tech in a rugged watch.
Check Garmin Fenix 8 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Enduro 3 if you:
- Want extreme battery life for multi-day adventures without charging.
- Prefer efficiency and durability over premium screen quality.
- Don’t need ECG or advanced sleep coaching.
- Focus on endurance sports like ultrarunning or expedition hiking.
- Want slightly lower cost while still getting essential Garmin tracking.
Check Garmin Enduro 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| AMOLED Display |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Higher Resolution |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| ECG Support |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Wrist Temperature |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Advanced Sleep Coach |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Preloaded Topo Maps |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
| 3rd Party App Support |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Wear OS 4 Integration: Both Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 run on Wear OS 4, ensuring a smooth interface, app compatibility, and Google service integration.
- Google Assistant Support: Both watches include hands-free Google Assistant, allowing users to perform tasks, get answers, and control smart home devices with voice commands.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model features advanced heart rate sensors that deliver accurate tracking during workouts and daily activities for better health insights.
- Sleep Tracking: Both devices include detailed sleep tracking with insights on stages, quality, and recommendations to improve overall rest.
- Fitbit Integration: Each watch fully integrates with Fitbit for fitness tracking, offering activity scores, step counts, and detailed workout metrics.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Garmin Fenix 8 have a better display than the Garmin Enduro 3?
Yes, the Garmin Fenix 8 uses an AMOLED display with higher resolution for sharper visuals, while the Enduro 3 uses a MIP screen that is less detailed but more efficient for long battery life.
Which watch has the longer battery life, Garmin Fenix 8 or Garmin Enduro 3?
The Garmin Enduro 3 has significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 60 days in smartwatch mode and over 200 hours in GPS mode, compared to the Fenix 8 which lasts up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 80 hours in GPS mode.
Does the Garmin Enduro 3 support ECG tracking like the Garmin Fenix 8?
No, the Garmin Enduro 3 does not support ECG tracking, while the Garmin Fenix 8 includes this feature for monitoring heart rhythm health.
Do both watches support music storage and Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Enduro 3 allow users to store music directly on the watch and connect Bluetooth headphones for offline listening.
Is wrist temperature tracking available on both Garmin Fenix 8 and Enduro 3?
No, wrist temperature tracking is only available on the Garmin Fenix 8. The Enduro 3 does not include this health feature.
Do both watches include advanced sleep tracking?
The Garmin Fenix 8 has an advanced sleep coach that provides tailored recovery insights, while the Enduro 3 tracks sleep but lacks advanced coaching features.
Which watch is better for mapping and navigation, Garmin Fenix 8 or Garmin Enduro 3?
The Garmin Fenix 8 is better for mapping and navigation because it comes with preloaded topo maps, while the Enduro 3 requires manual downloads for similar map use.
Do both watches have Wi-Fi connectivity for syncing data?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Enduro 3 support Wi-Fi connectivity for faster syncing and software updates without needing a phone.
Which watch is better for extreme endurance athletes?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is better suited for endurance athletes thanks to its ultra-long battery life and durability, making it ideal for ultramarathons and multi-day expeditions.
Which watch provides more advanced health and training features?
The Garmin Fenix 8 provides more advanced health and training tools such as ECG, wrist temperature tracking, advanced sleep coaching, and higher resolution display for clearer data visualization.
