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Fenix 8: MIP (Solar) vs Amoled Compass (51mm)

Odie21
7 months ago

To begin, I’ve done extensive verification of this with both my watches (MIP and Amoled) and others that have the same watches. My intention of using the 8 series is for diving and having a reliable and accurate compass is important to me.

The Amoled version of the watch (verified with 3 different watches) and its compass is accurate. This accuracy is based on outside calibration and trying this on both True North and Magnetic North.

The MIP version though are VERY inconsistent. They’ll be calibrated and then a short period of time later, be off by 30-40 degrees. If it was just one watch, then one could suspect defect but it’s with 4, one includes myself.

While I love the display on the Amoled, I do like the MIP display and the concept of solar (even though there’s a bigger battery drain the solar unites right now) but needing an accurate compass is of utmost importance to me.

Has anyone seen discrepancies with their MIP compasses?

Top Replies

  • 7 months ago +1
    Odie21 said:
    Has anyone seen discrepancies with their MIP compasses?

    No experience with F8, but on other models, like for example Instinct 2, MK3, F7, and on some Forerunners perhaps too, many people reported…

All Replies

  • 0 7 months ago

    I have F8 in both MIP and AMOLED. No problem with compass on either of them. But I do have problem on AMOLED with gesture not activating the high power brightness only for diving activities. It works fine for all other activities. Does your AMILED activate fine on gesture when in diving activities?

  • 0 7 months ago
    Odie21 said:
    Has anyone seen discrepancies with their MIP compasses?

    No experience with F8, but on other models, like for example Instinct 2, MK3, F7, and on some Forerunners perhaps too, many people reported compass problems that turned out to be caused by a magnetized spring bar. To confirm or exclude this cause, you could remove the wristband, and the spring bars holding it, and test the compas without them. If confirmed, the springbars can be demagnetized relatively easily, or you could request new ones.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to akiakic

    The dives I’ve taken it on, I don’t recall a time that the display not being bright enough stood out to me. I usually hold my hands out in front of me and keep an eye on the compass if I’m following a direct bearing course.