Looking for an honest Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm vs Garmin Fenix 8 comparison in 2026? We scored both smartwatches on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm comes out ahead 37/100 to 23/100 — a 14-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm undercuts the Garmin Fenix 8 by 462% ($160 vs $899), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm edges out the Garmin Fenix 8 in the smartwatches category, especially in value ($160 vs $899), scoring 37 vs 23. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm over Garmin Fenix 8 means trading these off.
Apple
$160
Scores are relative within the smartwatchescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mmW | Garmin Fenix 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9"✓ | 1.3" |
| Display Type | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED | MIP |
| Resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| OS | watchOS 9 | Garmin OS |
| Heart Rate | Optical HR 24/7 | Yes |
| SpO2 | Yes (blood oxygen) | true |
| ECG | Yes (FDA approved) | true |
| Temperature | Wrist skin temperature | — |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | 80+ | — |
| Swim Proof | 50m water resistance | — |
| Battery Life | 18hrs | 168hrs✓ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | 5.0 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Case Material | Aluminium | — |
| Water Resistance | IP6X, WR50 | 10ATM |
| Weight | 47g✓ | 89g |
| Price | 160$✓ | 899$ |
Buy Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if…
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Garmin Fenix 8 if…
The Garmin Fenix 8 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm edges out the Garmin Fenix 8 in the smartwatches category, especially in value ($160 vs $899), scoring 37 vs 23. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm scores higher overall (37 vs 23).
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is cheaper at $160 vs $899 for the Garmin Fenix 8.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Garmin Fenix 8 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Garmin Fenix 8 lasts longer with 168 hours vs 18 hours for the other.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm has the larger display (1.9" vs 1.3").
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is lighter at 47g vs 89g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.