Between the Apex 2 and Fenix 8 CE (47mm), the Apex 2 comes out ahead in smartwatch mode, while the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) wins on gps mode / multi-band gps. Overall, the Apex 2 scores 47.2 and the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) scores 50 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (47.2 vs 50). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the Apex 2 if you care most about smartwatch mode. The biggest gaps in its favor are smartwatch mode.
Pick the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) if you care most about gps mode / multi-band gps. Its strongest claims are gps mode, multi-band gps, ecg.
Both ship with comparable solar charging, so those specs do not 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 says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Coros - Apex 2 wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 6.25% more. 17 days vs 16 days.
Why Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) wins
- ▲GPS mode — 86.67% more. 84 h vs 45 h.
- ▲Has Multi-band GPS.
- ▲Has ECG.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 | Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | false | truelead |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | truelead |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 | Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 17 dayslead | 16 days |
| GPS mode | 45 h | 84 hlead |
| Solar charging | false | false |
Design
| Spec | Coros - Apex 2 | Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 43 mm | 47 mmlead |
| Weight | 53 glead | 80 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 10 ATMlead |
Spec-level deep dives
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