Garmin timepieces have rightfully earned a status for durability. Thus, as you examine the increasing prices of new Garmin watches, a years-old Garmin at a significant discount can be incredibly appealing. Considering that Garmin often clears out older inventory during Black Friday, now’s the time to evaluate whether a previous-generation Garmin watch suits your needs, or if opting for a newer model is the better choice.
I have reported on Garmin watch promotions for years, and I constantly find myself assessing whether I should endorse deals on models like the Forerunner 55 or 745, which are outdated and have discernible shortcomings, yet allow entry into the Garmin ecosystem for $150 instead of $500.
Then there are Garmin’s earlier top models. Currently, the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is available for $599 ($300 off) or the 7X Pro Sapphire Solar for $659 ($340 off). You’re investing only half of what a $1,300 Fenix 8 Pro costs, while still enjoying flagship-level specifications and battery longevity. However, if you intend to use your watch for many years, can you manage without the recent quality-of-life enhancements Garmin has rolled out?
Garmin’s latest generation has concentrated on what I would describe as “standard” enhancements. The Fenix 8 introduced an AMOLED display, ECG and skin temperature tracking, and a mic & speaker for calls and commands. These features have also made their way to more affordable Garmin models, along with the flashlight. In time, I would wager that the Fenix 8 Pro’s LTE-M and satellite functionalities will also be incorporated into additional watches.
The real question is, do you truly need these features? I don’t often utilize many of these new functions, but I definitely prefer AMOLED over MIP and would struggle to revert. For those attracted to smartwatches, a more affordable Vivoactive or Venu may be more appealing than a bulky Fenix 7X that hasn’t been updated.
However, for individuals who use their older Garmin watch for basic exercise tracking and checking notifications, investing in a previous-generation Fenix deal makes more sense, as you’re primarily paying for the fitness benefits that are relevant to you, not the additional features.
Avoid letting software FOMO drive you to overspend.
We also need to address Garmin’s software exclusivity. Even though Garmin watch hardware typically stands the test of time, they do so as closed-circuit relics of their era. At a certain point, Garmin restricts the OS and declines to add any new features that might disturb the fragile balance.
Regrettably, this often occurs within 1–2 years, even for Garmin’s Fenix flagship models. There was considerable debate when Garmin ceased offering new features for the Fenix 7 series after the introduction of the Fenix 8; thus, anyone purchasing the Fenix 7X today won’t gain running economy, evening reports, Strength or Triathlon Coaching, a rucking mode, or other new functionalities that I’ve found impressive over the last year.
But that’s unavoidable! Garmin’s approach is to leverage FOMO, enticing you to buy the latest model. Then you feel justified in seeking cutting-edge features, and when those run their course, you look to upgrade again. I can assure you that Fenix 8 owners will express their dissatisfaction about this in 2026, following the launch of the Fenix 9.
Perhaps opting for an older model that has already been cut off from feature updates is an excellent strategy to ensure you aren’t distracted by shiny new Garmin gadgets, allowing you to remain content with what you possess for a longer period.
Purchasing last-generation is perfectly acceptable; concentrate more on what you require.
Currently, the leading Garmin watches are pricier than ever before. Mid-range options like the $550 Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 are quite impressive, but why invest in either when an Epix Pro (Gen 2) can be had for $499 ($250 off)? It’s a matter of whether last year’s top features (such as offline maps) or the newest upgrades in 2025 (like enhanced AMOLED brightness) are more critical for you.
This discussion takes a different turn when considering lower-end Garmin watches. The Venu Sq 2 often ranks among the least expensive models available during sale events, but it is limited in various ways. I would much prefer to pay slightly more for a new affordable Garmin like the Vivoactive 6 (currently $50 off at Best Buy) than to acquire a model that will feel outdated right from the start.
Otherwise, if you’re genuinely interested in some of the finest new Garmin watches, you’ll need to exercise patience. In line with Garmin’s usual deal schedule, it’s likely we won’t see a Fenix 8 or Forerunner 970 discounted by $300 until 2027 or 2028.
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