New information has surfaced regarding the upcoming Garmin Fenix E and Fenix 8 smartwatches, successors to the Fenix 7 series. These details come courtesy of leaks discovered by the publication Fitness Tracker Test (FTT) on authorized Garmin dealer websites.
Previously, a Finnish retailer, Multitronic, listed the Fenix 8 with a release window in September 2024. While we didn’t get a peek at the smartwatch design, the listing did reveal some specifications like size and colors.
Design and Display Enhancements
The latest leak, from an Icelandic retailer, corroborates the September release timeframe and sheds light on design and display upgrades for the upcoming smartwatch. The listing reveals that the Fenix 8 will come in a 43mm size at the smallest compared to the 42mm size of the Fenix 7s. But the most notable change could be in terms of display. The leak reveals that instead of the customary Memory In Pixel (MIP) displays, the Fenix 8 might adopt AMOLED technology.
While AMOLED displays will offer richer colors and deeper blacks, MIP displays are known for their excellent battery life. So it remains to be seen if the Fenix 8 can maintain similar endurance as the Fenix 7s on a single charge.
Potential Name Change
The Icelandic retailer listing also hints at a potential name change for the smaller-sized Fenix model. Traditionally, the smaller variant was designated “Fenix 7s”. The leak suggests Garmin might simply call it “Fenix 8” for the next generation, dropping the “s” moniker altogether.
Meanwhile, FTT speculates that the Fenix E will retain MIP displays, acting as a more direct successor to the Fenix 7 series in terms of screen technology.
While these leaks offer valuable insights, it’s important to remember that official confirmation from Garmin is still pending. We are expecting an official announcement revealing the final specifications, pricing, and release date sometime in late August or early September.
