Between the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) and Race, the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) comes out ahead in smartwatch mode and ecg, while the Race wins on gps mode. Overall, the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) scores 50 and the Race scores 50.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (50 vs 50.6). The decision isn't about overall quality — both clear the bar — it's about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the Fenix 8 CE (47mm) if you care most about smartwatch mode and ecg. The biggest gaps in its favor are smartwatch mode, ecg.
Pick the Race if you care most about gps mode. Its strongest claims are gps mode.
Both ship with comparable multi-band gps, solar charging, 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 Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 33.33% more. 16 days vs 12 days.
- ▲Has ECG.
Why Suunto - Race wins
- ▲GPS mode — 42.86% more. 120 h vs 84 h.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (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 CE (47mm) | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 16 dayslead | 12 days |
| GPS mode | 84 h | 120 hlead |
| Solar charging | false | false |
Design
| Spec | Garmin - Fenix 8 CE (47mm) | Suunto - Race |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 47 mm | 49 mmlead |
| Weight | 80 glead | 83 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Spec-level deep dives
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