Okay, let’s talk about this whole Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED versus Solar thing. I’ve been seeing the chatter, just like everyone else, and knew I had to figure this out for myself. You know how it is, reading specs is one thing, actually using the gear is another. So, I decided to dive in and really put both versions through their paces.
Getting Started: The Big Decision
First off, the hype around an AMOLED Fenix was real. I mean, who doesn’t want that bright, punchy screen? I’ve used other watches with AMOLED, and yeah, they look fantastic. But then there’s the Fenix legacy – battery life, ruggedness, and that solar charging bit which always felt like a cool, practical edge.
So, I managed to get my hands on both versions. Straight out of the box, the difference is obvious. That AMOLED screen just grabs your attention. Colors pop, text is super sharp, especially indoors or in dim light. It felt really premium, like a proper smartwatch display on a tough Fenix body.
The Solar version? Well, it looked familiar. That memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen is what we Fenix users know. It’s not flashy, kinda muted indoors without the backlight. But you take it outside, and bam, clear as day, even better in direct sun. And that little solar ring around the edge, doing its thing.
Putting Them Through the Wringer: Daily Use
I started wearing the AMOLED version first for about a week. Workouts, daily steps, sleep tracking, the usual stuff.
- The Screen: Indoors, it was fantastic. Notifications looked great, watch faces were vibrant. Outdoors in bright sunlight, I had to crank the brightness up. It was usable, for sure, but not quite as effortlessly readable as the MIP screen. And yeah, I used the always-on display setting because, honestly, having to flick my wrist constantly just to see the time gets old fast.
- Battery Life: This was the big one. With always-on display and a couple of GPS activities (like an hour run each day), I was definitely charging it much more often than my old Fenix. Think maybe 4-5 days max? Felt less like a Fenix and more like a regular smartwatch in that regard. It caused a bit of battery anxiety, always keeping an eye on the percentage.
Then, I switched over to the Solar version for the next week, doing the same routines.
- The Screen: Okay, it’s not as pretty indoors. Backlight helps, but it’s not AMOLED. Outside, though? Perfect visibility. Didn’t matter how bright the sun was, I could glance down and see everything instantly without waiting for a backlight or anything. Felt very practical.
- Battery Life & Solar: This felt like home. The battery just lasted and lasted. Easily got well over a week, pushing towards two, even with GPS use. That familiar Fenix endurance. The solar charging? Look, let’s be honest. It helps. On really sunny days, I noticed the battery drained slower, maybe even held steady if I wasn’t using GPS heavily. It’s not magic, it won’t charge it from zero, but it definitely extends the time between plugging it in. It’s more of a trickle charge, a buffer. Gave me peace of mind, especially thinking about longer trips.
The Real Test: Longer Activities
I simulated a longer scenario, like a full day hike with navigation running. With the AMOLED, I was constantly aware of the battery drain. By the end of the day, it was significantly lower. I knew for a multi-day trip, a power bank would be absolutely essential.
Doing the same with the Solar felt completely different. Less worry. The battery held up way better, and the solar input, however small, felt like a bonus safety net when I was out in the open. I finished the day with plenty of juice left, confident it could handle another day or two without issue.
So, What’s the Verdict for Me?
Okay, here’s my honest take after using both: That AMOLED screen is seriously nice to look at. If you want the best-looking display, sharper maps, prettier watch faces, and you don’t mind charging your watch maybe once or twice a week depending on use, it’s a solid choice. It makes the Fenix feel more modern, more like a high-end smartwatch.
But for me? I found myself leaning back towards the Solar version. Why? Because the core reason I use a Fenix is for its endurance and reliability as an outdoor tool. I hate battery anxiety. I want to put my watch on and forget about charging for weeks, not days. The Solar version delivers that. The MIP screen is perfectly functional, especially outdoors where I use it most. And that little bit of solar gain, while not revolutionary, adds to the feeling of self-sufficiency.
It really boils down to priorities. Do you prioritize screen quality and are okay with more frequent charging? Go AMOLED. Do you prioritize maximum battery life and peace of mind for long activities or just hate charging? Stick with Solar. For my use case, the practicality of the Solar won out over the prettiness of the AMOLED. Simple as that.