The $250 discount on this specific model is the sweet spot for 90% of buyers, and here's why I think it’s worth the money
As is customary on Black Friday, retailers and tech outlets are all too happy to flood you with a mountain of widgets and product pages. The problem is that actually choosing between deals can be overwhelming under the time pressure of the sales event.
In full disclosure, I also don’t have the time or inclination to cover every single smartwatch and sports watch deal happening right now—looking at Garmin Fenix deals alone can swallow an entire day, after all.
So, with all that in mind, I’m going to make it really simple for 90% of you considering a Garmin Fenix 8: just choose this one below.
Why picking between Fenix SKUs is tiring work
I’ve worn and reviewed double-digit numbers of Fenix devices over the last decade here on Wareable, so I’ve learned a few things about what most people do and don’t need across the different models.
Case sizes. Watch materials. Colors. Different bands. Display type. Display glass.
These are all things you have to decide on when choosing a Fenix—and that’s all after you’ve spent time choosing between the Fenix 8 and Fenix 7, or weighing up what’s new with the Fenix 8 Pro, or considering whether the Epix Pro is still worth a punt.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should be reckless in your decision-making here. We have countless comparison articles and reviews to help you understand exactly what you’re getting when you buy. However, allow me distil all of that.
Why you should choose this exact configuration
First, let’s talk size. The 47mm case size is the absolute sweet spot. The 51mm is uncomfortably large for most wrists. And while the 42mm is great for smaller wrists or those who hate the heft of a Fenix, it’s unnecessary for the majority.
Second, the display. We now live in the age of AMOLED, and the trade-off in battery life compared to the older MIP screens is, in my view, completely worth it. The Fenix 8’s screen is gorgeous, legible in all conditions, and finally makes the Fenix feel like a modern, lifestyle-capable smartwatch.
Third, and most importantly: Sapphire. On a watch this expensive, paying the extra $100 or so is a non-negotiable insurance policy. The non-sapphire displays scratch far too easily for a rugged device—I know firsthand, after scratching my non-sapphire Fenix 8 pretty badly from just time in the gym—and you’ll regret skipping it within the first six months. Plus, the $250 saving on this specific model makes that necessary upgrade essentially free.
This is the best Fenix 8 variant for the money right now. The 23% discount is significant, and it’s the best way to get the current flagship without falling down the tedious rabbit hole of SKUs. Grab the fun titanium and orange band combo, and you’re set.
