Fenix E was released in August 2024, around the same time Fenix 8 was released. The E series Fenix smartwatch is cheaper than the regular Fenix 8 smartwatch.
In more ways than one, you will find that Fenix E is a watered down version of Fenix 8 47 mm smartwatch. Garmin reduced the cost of Fenix E by taking off few features and functionalities. The company felt that advanced features may not be required by each and every person.
What changed between Fenix 8 47 mm and Fenix 8 E editions?
Let us focus on features that could make a substantial difference between Fenix 8 and Fenix E.
Fenix E misses the following:
- Multi-band GPS
- SatIQ sensors
- Garmin ECG app
- Memory storage reduces from 32 GB to 16 GB
- Slightly lower battery backup (insignificant)
- DIVE rating (Fenix 8 47 mm can be used for DIVING up to depths of 40 meters)
- ability to make calls from the watch (Fenix 8 can make calls from the smartwatch)
- in-built speaker and mic
We look at some of these more important differences in detail below.
Multi-band GPS and SatIQ
Multi-band GPS can get GPS data from multiple satellite systems at any point in time. It improves GPS accuracy and reliability.
Multi-band GPS is available in Fenix 8. Fenix E lacks it.
Along with the multi-band GPS, Fenix 8 also gets a SatIQ sensor. The SatIQ sensor automatically manages multi-band GPS mode. Multi-band GPS mode consumes higher than average battery.
SatIQ sensor resolves this concern by turning off the multi-band GPS mode when the GPS connectivity improves and the GPS signal is reliable.
Garmin ECG app
Fenix 8 does offer you compatibility with the Garmin ECG app. The ECG app allows to take on-demand ECG readings through the heart sensor.
The output of the ECG app could be used as a reference point by a medical specialist to detect potential issues in the health of wearer’s heart.
Fenix E lacks the ECG app compatibility.
Cost
Fenix E is cheaper than Fenix 8 47 mm by $200. For the price difference, Fenix 8 is more suitable for active sportspersons.
Summary
The major advantages of Fenix 8 over Fenix E are:
- Multi-band GPS
- Garmin ECG app
- In-built speaker and mic
For these features, the price difference between Fenix 8 and Fenix E look trivial for active athletes requiring precision in tracking GPS data.