Between the Apex 2 Pro and Fenix 8 Solar (47mm), the Apex 2 Pro comes out ahead in smartwatch mode, while the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) wins on gps mode and solar charging. Overall, the Apex 2 Pro scores 57.2 and the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) scores 58.4 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (57.2 vs 58.4). The decision isn't about overall quality — both clear the bar — it's about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the Apex 2 Pro if you care most about smartwatch mode. The biggest gaps in its favor are smartwatch mode.
Pick the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) if you care most about gps mode and solar charging. Its strongest claims are gps mode, solar charging, ecg.
Both ship with comparable multi-band gps, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Coros - Apex 2 Pro wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 7.14% more. 30 days vs 28 days.
Why Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) wins
- ▲GPS mode — 38.67% more. 104 h vs 75 h.
- ▲Has Solar charging.
- ▲Has ECG.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 Pro | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | true | true |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | truelead |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 Pro | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 30 dayslead | 28 days |
| GPS mode | 75 h | 104 hlead |
| Solar charging | false | truelead |
Design
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 Pro | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 46.1 mm | 47 mmlead |
| Weight | 66 glead | 82 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Spec-level deep dives
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