Why is there no 43mm Fenix 8 model with MIP/solar?

Did I miss it somehow? Why isn't there an option for 43mm size with a MIP screen? It's one of the main features of the Fenix line. I don't want a screen on my wrist - I want a watch! There are enough screens in my life already.

I was excited for the release today but was very disappointed to see the weird omission of a small MIP model with solar. So I just purchased a 7s Pro Sapphire Solar instead of getting one of the new models because I want to get one before the 7s's sell out.

If Garmin retires MIP screens on everything but the Enduro, it would be a huge mistake.

Please continue MIP as an option on the Fenix! Or at least expand the Enduro to three sizes.

  • I have the 6s pro solar and was hoping to upgrade to the 8 but that's not going to happen now. Not sure it's worth moving to the 7 or if I just consider another brand now. Coros seems to come up a lot these days. I may have to reconsider them... what a damn shame. I've been such a Garmin loyalist. 

  • Not sure it's worth moving to the 7

    Moving from Fenix 6 to 7 is a Big step in functionality. Get the Pro model. You can get them at a good price now when Fenix 8 entered the market. The difference at the moment is minimal between 7 and 8 and with a new code base you can expect a lot of bugs for months to be fixed for fenix 8 or enjoy a more stable product. For me it seems like the SW not really ready for a release yet but they just had to release it since product was planned for release now; stable software will be fixed in time.

  • For anyone reading this thread, please tell Garmin to continue supporting MIP screens on all sizes of the Fenix using this link:

    www.garmin.com/.../

  • Probably because the battery life is so much less with the smaller size.

  • For anyone reading this thread, please tell Garmin to continue supporting MIP screens on all sizes of the Fenix using this link:

    The strongest signal that you could send to Garmin is to simply buy a MIP device be it a 7S or a 7S Pro.

    That's not to say that petitions don't work, but 100k actual sales move the needle more than 100k promises to buy something in the future.

    Probably because the battery life is so much less with the smaller size.

    The 43mm AMOLED wouldn't exist if that were true. It burns a heck of a lot more energy than the MIP.

  • I meant why the Enduro is only in the largest size, that way it has max battery life. But I agree I was disappointed about no Fenix mip in the 43mm because my wrist is too small for a 47mm. 

  • MIP is superior on an athletic watch. They should make the MIP version have the same battery life as AMOLED. It would be way thinner. I'm probably gonna get a used Fenix 7s pro cause the Fenix 8s doesn't have MIP(or titanium)

  • Completely agree!! Especially the Enduro series being made in a smaller size! Couldn't they have made the Fenix or Enduro in 43mm without the SOLAR option but keep the MIP?? That way they could have fit it all in. If you live in the UK like me the SOLAR option really doesn't do much for you anyway! I have the Fenix 7s and won't be upgrading for this reason only. I really hoped my battery life journey would only improve. Why would I pay to go backward?? Such a shame and I hope this isn't Garmin's "Blackberry touch screen moment" where they give all their market share to another company... 

  • The strongest signal that you could send to Garmin is to simply buy a MIP device be it a 7S or a 7S Pro.

    That's not to say that petitions don't work, but 100k actual sales move the needle more than 100k promises to buy something in the future.

    That's a great point - vote with your wallet!

    I bought a 7S Pro and also submitted a comment on their Share Ideas page. I would encourage everyone to continue buying MIP watches (directly from Garmin is likely the clearest signal, though I'm sure they get sales data from their retailers) and also write to them.

  • Sure, but I have a 7S so I will not buy the same watch when I am looking for an upgrade to the same. So bottom line everyone who is not ready to get a larger watch will be left behind. I do not support that. With wallet or in any way.