Garmin Epix Gen 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Verdict
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the cheaper of the two at $300 versus $899, a difference of about $599. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Garmin Epix Gen 2 stands out for fenix 7 features with a stunning amoled display — best of both worlds, while Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is praised for thinnest galaxy watch at 8.6mm. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Epix Gen 2 if…
- →Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- →16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- →Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 if…
- →Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- →3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- →3000 nits peak brightness
Pros & Cons
Garmin Epix Gen 2
Pros
- Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- 16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
- 10ATM water resistance and flashlight for extreme conditions
- Touchscreen plus 5-button interface for flexible navigation
Cons
- $899 starting price — Sapphire edition exceeds $1,000
- Heavy at 70-76 g — noticeable compared to lighter smartwatches
- 14.5mm thickness is very chunky under shirt cuffs
- No cellular or phone call capability despite the premium price
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Pros
- Thinnest Galaxy Watch at 8.6mm
- 3nm Exynos W1000 processor
- 3000 nits peak brightness
- Wear OS 6 with Gemini AI assistant
- Dual-frequency GPS
Cons
- $300 starting price for base model
- Battery life varies heavily with AOD
- Limited third-party watch face selection on Wear OS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 6 with Gemini |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 76 g (steel) / 70 g (titanium) | 28.8 g (40mm) |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel / titanium bezel | Armor Aluminum |
| Water resistance | 10ATM | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 16 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS | Up to 40 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 47mm (1.3 inches) | 40mm / 44mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Exynos W1000 (3nm) |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Garmin Epix Gen 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.