Between the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) and Race, the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) comes out ahead in smartwatch mode / solar charging, while the Race wins on gps mode. Overall, the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) scores 58.4 and the Race scores 50.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) edges ahead on the Mars Score (58.4 vs 50.6), but the 7.8-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) if you care most about smartwatch mode / solar charging. The biggest gaps in its favor are smartwatch mode, solar charging, ecg.
Pick the Race if you care most about gps mode. Its strongest claims are gps mode.
Both ship with comparable multi-band gps, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 133.33% more. 28 days vs 12 days.
- ▲Has Solar charging.
- ▲Has ECG.
Why Suunto - Race wins
- ▲GPS mode — 15.38% more. 120 h vs 104 h.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | true | true |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | truelead | false |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 28 dayslead | 12 days |
| GPS mode | 104 h | 120 hlead |
| Solar charging | truelead | false |
Design
| Spec | Garmin - Fenix 8 Solar (47mm) | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 47 mm | 49 mmlead |
| Weight | 82 glead | 83 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Spec-level deep dives
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