Garmin has introduced its new Fenix 8 smartwatch series in the Malaysian market, available in two distinct screen choices: a bright AMOLED display, and a more energy-efficient memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen. The latter also features solar charging capabilities, powered by Garmin’s Power Glass technology.
Durability is a key focus in the Fenix 8 series, with Garmin making the watches tougher than their predecessors. New design elements like a sensor guard and leakproof buttons have been added, and the watches have passed US military testing standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. In addition, the Fenix 8 is now capable of diving to a depth of 40m, and new scuba diving and apnea modes have been included, expanding its capabilities for underwater sports.
Garmin has added a built-in speaker and microphone across all models, a new feature that allows users to interact with their phone’s voice assistant, set timers, and record voice notes. Other notable features offered by all models include smart notifications, music storage, and NFC payment support.
On the software side, Garmin has introduced strength training plans, which span four to eight weeks and are tailored to help users meet specific fitness goals. The watches also feature guided workouts for sports like trail running and skiing. Navigation has been improved as well, with customizable map layers that make route-following easier. A new dynamic round-trip routing feature allows users to set a target distance, and the watch will adjust the route on the go to ensure the user hits that distance and returns to the starting point.
The AMOLED model prioritises a brighter display, while the Solar model offers significantly longer battery life, particularly in sunny conditions. The Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm can provide up to 29 days of battery life with the raise-to-wake setting, while the Fenix 8 with solar panels lasts up to 48 days in optimal sunlight conditions.
The new Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED starts from RM5,199 while the Solar models start from RM5,720. These are now available via the Garmin e-store, Shopee, Lazada, AECO e-store, Garmin Brand Stores, and all authorised retailers nationwide.
(Source: Garmin Malaysia press release / official website [1] [2])
