Coros APEX 4 46mm vs Garmin fēnix 8
Coros APEX 4 46mm (2025, listed at $479) and Garmin fēnix 8 (2024, listed at $1099) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · table prices are list prices; each card shows Amazon's current price when available
Coros APEX 4 46mm
Titanium-bezel MIP mountain watch: sapphire glass, dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, voice pins via mic and speaker, 24 days of daily use and 65 hours of GPS.
Garmin fēnix 8
Garmin's no-compromise multisport flagship — built-in dive computer, AMOLED, multi-band GPS.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros APEX 4 46mm wins on battery life (24 days vs 16 days), weight (64 g vs 73 g) and price ($479 vs $1099); Garmin fēnix 8 wins on tracked features (7 vs 4) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros APEX 4 46mm leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Coros APEX 4 46mm | Garmin fēnix 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 24 days | 16 days |
| Weight | 64 g | 73 g |
| List price | $479 | $1099 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 4 | 7 |
| Case size | 46.2 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | outdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (4)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- offline maps
Only Coros APEX 4 46mm (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin fēnix 8 (3)
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros APEX 4 46mm if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $620 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 16 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 64 g vs 73 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin fēnix 8 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46.2 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin fēnix 8 if…
- You need contactless payments, AMOLED display and swim tracking, which the Coros APEX 4 46mm does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros APEX 4 46mm only works with Android.
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
- You want a bright AMOLED screen.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 73 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $1099.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros APEX 4 46mm or the Garmin fēnix 8?
The Coros APEX 4 46mm has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 16 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros APEX 4 46mm or the Garmin fēnix 8?
The Coros APEX 4 46mm has the lower list price: $479 against $1099 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros APEX 4 46mm and Garmin fēnix 8 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros APEX 4 46mm or the Garmin fēnix 8?
Coros APEX 4 46mm: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Garmin fēnix 8: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
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