Garmin has announced the new Enduro 4, which takes the existing Enduro 3 and Fenix 9-ifies it. This follows the same pattern that Garmin did when it announced the Enduro 3 & Fenix 8 series back a few years ago. This means that the Enduro 4 gets some updated hardware internals, such as a faster processor and more RAM, as well as doubled storage for more offline maps. With those more powerful internals, you’re getting faster mapping features. Plus of course, the Enduro 4 gets all the Fenix 9 software features (which Enduro 3 & Fenix 8 users are also getting).
There are also some slight material changes too, mainly with the band and bezel. They’ve swapped out the UltraFit band for the new ComfortFit ones, which is a great change in my opinion. I’ve been using the new ComfortFit ones with the Fenix 9 series, and they’re awesome. Further, they changed up the color of the bezel, which you may or may not like depending on your personal color palette preferences.
In any case, I’ve started to put the Enduro 4 through its paces, though given all the other wearables slated for the next 6 days, wrist space is very limited right now. So for the moment, let’s just get into how things are different.
What’s New:
The Enduro 3 to Enduro 4 upgrade of hardware may not seem like a big one, mostly because you have to remember the whole point of the Enduro series is to *minimize* things that burn lots of battery. Meaning, adding in battery-hungry features like LTE & inReach (satellite messaging) are sorta the last thing you want Garmin to do.
However, more critical here is Garmin’s decision to bring virtually all the new Fenix 9 features back to the Fenix 8/8 Pro & Enduro 3 watches. Thus, by definition, with them all being treated as a single software platform, it becomes a more minor hardware update (akin to what Apple does each year). The point isn’t really for Enduro 3 owners to buy up (because you’re getting all the cool new Fenix 9 software features for free), but rather, for Enduro 1 & Enduro 2 folks to buy up. Make sense?
In any case, here’s what’s new hardware-wise:
– Faster processor for maps (specifically the Fenix 9 base processor, not the Fenix 9 Pro processor)
– 50% more RAM for map speed increases
– Doubled storage from 32GB to 64GB
– Went from black titanium bezel to a grey titanium bezel
– Cleaned up bezel to have fewer green/yellow markings
– Changed the GPS mode names to match Fenix 9, though the battery life remains identical
– Changed from UltraFit band to ComfortFit with QuickFit (trust me, it’s far better)
– New band increased total unit weight by 3g, case weight is identical (total weight from 63g to 66g)
– Same $899 price as the Enduro 3 (though the Enduro 3 went on sale this week to $799 with a bunch of other Garmin things for Amazon Prime Days)
Here you can see the new band/clasp system as part of the ComfortFit bands:
Meanwhile, here are the things that stay the same from Enduro 3 to Enduro 4:
– Same exact 1.4” MIP display panel at 280x280px
– Same exact Solar components
– Same exact smartwatch battery life (36 days smartwatch, 90 days with Solar)
– Same rough GPS battery life (see chart), though with new mode names
– Same thickness and case size (51mm)
Here’s the battery ‘chart’ showing all the battery modes/times:
Enduro 4 Battery Specs/Claims:
Smartwatch: Up to 36 days/90 days with solar*
Low Power Watch Mode: Up to 92 days/unlimited with solar*
Activity Mode (Normal): Up to 80 hours/144 hours with solar**
Activity Mode + Music (Normal): Up to 22 hours/25 hours with solar**
Activity Mode (Max Battery): Up to 210 hours/unlimited with solar**
Activity Mode (Extended Battery): Up to 120 hours/320 hours with solar**
Activity Mode (Max Accuracy): Up to 60 hours/90 hours with solar**
Expedition Mode: Up to 77 days/unlimited with solar**Solar charging, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions
**Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions; assuming typical use with SatIQ technology
Here’s a side-by-side photo of the two units out tanning in the direct sun.
(At left, Enduro 3, at right Enduro 4)
Then, from a software standpoint, here’s all the new features. All but the last few features are coming to the Enduro 3 via software update (in fact, some like the Ski Erg features, already did last week). However, this just gets you all of them right now. The last few ones are dependent on the new mapping engine, which in turn requires the faster processor/more RAM:
– Added new Garmin Epic features, which group multi-day events/adventures (both on-device, and on Garmin Connect)
– New Stamina zone concept
– Added New Stamina Endurance time concept
– Added New Stamina trending feature (on Garmin Connect)
– Added New Running & Cycling Stamina graphs/curves
– Added New Rucking/Pack-Weight calorie breakout for activities (in multiple sport profiles)
– Revamped algorithms around pack-weight to more accurately cover calorie impacts
– Added New Rucking target calculator on-watch: Can tell you how far you need to go for a certain goal & pack weight
– Added ability to change pack-weight mid-activity
– Added Dedicated Rucking Reports (summarizing pack weight, calories, elevation, pace)
– Added Rucking Multisport mode option
– Added New on-device Rucking structured workouts with GoRuck
– Added New Ski Erg Profile (officially called ‘XC Ski Indoor’)
– Huge update/change for Indoor Rowing
– Added new heart rate zones for rowing, and max heart rate
– Added new power zones and power curves for running
– Added new indoor rowing FTP values/estimation
– Added new indoor rowing VO2Max values
– Added lactate threshold for rowing, and performance condition
– Added indoor rowing activity profile countdown timer (5-second timer, to let you get ready)
– Added support for indoor rowing to update Training Status (e.g., Productive, Unproductive, etc…)
– Added Rolling GAP as a data field (both kilometer and mile)
– Added Rolling GAP as a structured workout target option
– Added new ‘Field Tools’ feature, including ABC, measure height, reference point, and more
And then, here’s another set of new features that the Enduro 4 & Fenix 9 series get, but the Enduro 3 & Fenix 8 series won’t get, due to hardware constraints dependent on the increased RAM & processor (or, in the case of the GPS modes, so they don’t have to re-test all of the existing models’ official specs for new battery claims).
– Mapping: New Perspective view (sorta a tilted map view)
– Mapping Performance: Smoother/faster zoom
– Mapping Performance: More responsive heading updates (orientation)
– Added new ArcheryX feature
– Added new Dynamic Battery GPS modes, which basically simplify the naming of the satellite modes
Again, if you’ve got an existing Garmin Enduro 3 or Fenix 8 series watch, you’ll eventually get all of the features in the first list. The timelines on that remain fuzzy, but Garmin says it won’t be this year for everything, though some features have already started showing up in recent updates.
Key Differences to Fenix 9?
(At left, Enduro 3, center Enduro 4, right Fenix 9 Pro Solar 47mm)
Now, real quick, what’s the key differences between the Enduro 4 vs Fenix 9? Just like with the Enduro 3 vs Fenix 8 series, this is mostly about the Enduro series being optimized for higher battery life, but also reduced costs. They do away with extra things required for diving, LTE, speakers/mic, etc… and that in turn gives you more battery life and a ‘cheaper Fenix’ in name of Enduro. Again, remember the Enduro & Fenix watches are under the same software watch family. All software releases for the Enduro 3 & Fenix 8 series were identical and grouped together, and the same is now true with the Enduro 4 & Fenix 9.
In any case, here are the key differences (when focused specifically on the SOLAR-MIP models):
– Enduro 4 has a bigger solar ring than the Fenix 9 Pro Solar models
– Enduro 4 is far lighter than the Fenix 9 (66g vs 102g for the Fenix 9 Pro Solar 51mm non-inReach)
– Enduro 4 is slightly thinner than the Fenix 9 (15.7mm vs 16.6mm for Fenix 9 Pro Solar 51mm)
– Enduro 4 is offered in one size (51mm), whereas Fenix 9 is offered in three sizes (43/47/51mm, though MIP-Solar only in 47/51mm)
– Fenix 9 series has depth gauge and scuba/freediving features (Enduro 4 does not)
– Fenix 9 series has induction buttons for better water resistance
– Fenix 9 series has a speaker/microphone (Enduro 4 has a simple beeper, no microphone
– Fenix 9 series has voice control/calling features with that microphone (Enduro 4 does not)
– Fenix 9 Pro series has a faster processor than the Fenix 9 base/Enduro 4 units
– Fenix 9 Pro series has full Titanium case options (Enduro 4 does not)
– Fenix 9 Pro series has a green LED flashlight (plus the white/red that Enduro 4 has)
– Fenix 9 Pro inReach models have LTE & inReach Satellite Message (Enduro 4 does not)
– Fenix 9 base starts at $999 (AMOLED only), Fenix 9 Pro from $1,099 (AMOLED/SOLAR), Fenix 9 Pro inReach/LTE from $1,199 (Enduro 4 is $899)
When it comes to those LTE & inReach Satellite features found on the Fenix 9 Pro inReach models, these are those features (none of which are on Enduro 4):
– LTE Live two-way voice calls
– LTE LiveTrack (30-second sampling rate)
– LTE Voice Messaging
– LTE Text Messaging
– LTE Weather
– LTE & Satellite Emergency SOS
– LTE Location Check-Ins
– LTE Incident Detection & Assistance
– Satellite Messaging (basic texting)
– Satellite position/location check-ins
– Satellite Emergency SOS (via Garmin Response)
– Satellite updating of weather (new in the Fenix 9 Pro)
In terms of some quick-hit similarities between the Enduro 4 and Fenix 9, this is things at a high level:
– Both run the same software and all the same features
– Both have Garmin’s Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor
– Both have medically certified ECG hardware/features
– Both have Sapphire glass display covers (lens)
– Both have LED flashlights (but again, Fenix 9 Pro models have green LED too)
– Both have onboard offline maps
– Both have onboard storage for offline music (Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, MP3 files, etc…), to playback with Bluetooth headphones
– Both have WiFi syncing support
– Both have full ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensor support
Again, there’s a gazillion more things that are the same there between those two watches (primarily on the software wide), but that’s the main things to remember.
Mapping Speed Differences:
Now, with everything essentially being the same software-wise and display/battery wise, the only real difference between the two is around the increased processing power, increased RAM, and then in turn the downstream improvements to map processing that Garmin has touted for the Enduro 4 as well as Fenix 9 series units.
Remember that in this case, the Enduro 4 shares the same processor as the base Fenix 9 units, not the slightly faster Fenix 9 Pro series processor. That new base processor is still faster than the Fenix 8 series units (which the Enduro 3 shared), and Garmin says a fair chunk of the improvements to speed is also coming from the re-built mapping engine which requires that 50% improvement in RAM.
In any case, all that said, in terms of the speed improvements I see, like with the Fenix 9, it’s mostly ‘shrug’. Yes, they are faster, but not massively so. Here’s some simple tests I did:
Speed test: Open a course file of 50KM/31mi:
Enduro 3: ~8 seconds
Enduro 4: ~8 seconds
Fenix 9 Pro: ~8 secondsSpeed test: Create a running route to a point across the island over a mountain range ( 23KM away as the bird flew, 30KM as the runner went):
Enduro 3: 1min 15sec
Enduro 4: 45sec
Fenix 9 Pro: 28sec
In the video, I also show some differences panning around, for which there is a notable difference, but mainly about 1-2 seconds of extra render time in my mountain-ish area with just light trails/terrain. Perhaps in some city scenario or such, but realistically that’s not where I tend to use the mapping features of any Garmin watch (I have my phone for that).
Now, as I noted in the Fenix 9 review, it’s easy to compare the maps from COROS zooming around/panning around, but the simple reality is those aren’t fully routable maps. They are essentially pictures/tiles that just load, whereas Garmin is actually rendering up a full routable map that you can route on-device to any other point without a phone. Creating a new route on a COROS device requires a phone. On an Amazfit device, you can create on-device routes only for round-trip routes, and even then, they almost always fail (as every reviewer has pointed out). Likewise, Garmin’s maps have far more information depth than anyone else.
Now, don’t mistake me pointing out map facts from me saying you actually need the on-device route generation that Garmin has in everyday life. As I noted in my Fenix 9 review, I can literally count on one hand the number of times in the real world I use the on-device route creation in real life (aside for review funsies purposes) as roughly twice. And neither time was super critical. Handy, yes…critical no.
In just the same way that while I don’t find that feature super useful, neither do I find just randomly panning around the map like a candy-fueled toddler, like every YouTuber likes to do. I simply don’t do that in real life out on multi-day treks, or even long single-day ultras. Do I occasionally check something a few hundred meters away? Sure. Does it take an extra 1-2 seconds on a Garmin? Sure. Am I upset that I have to wait 1-2 seconds longer in the middle of a 17-hour day? Nah. Do I wish Garmin’s maps were faster? Of course.
All of these things can be true. It doesn’t have to be fanboyism.
In any event, one new mapping feature is the new Perspective View, as seen on the Fenix 9. Here’s what that looks like side-by-side with the Enduro 3’s straight-down view:
(At left, Enduro 3, at right Enduro 4)
I’ve grown to like this few quite a bit on the Fenix 9, though admittedly, half the time I forget to tap the little compass icon to toggle it on. Plus, I don’t tend to stay on the mapping page for very long, since the mapping page on every watch is the fastest way to see just how little battery life you’ll actually get (map pages burn battery life like crazy on every wearable).
Wrap-Up:
Ultimately, the Enduro 4 is one of those Garmin upgrades that really isn’t about appealing to the prior-gen owners. Just like most Apple Watch upgrades aren’t about appealing to people who just bought last year. Instead, it’s primarily targeted at existing Enduro 1 or Enduro 2 owners who would get a big boost in terms of sports features as well as daily life things. And I suppose, for those who simply want the new Fenix 9 features now, versus waiting for Garmin to release those planned updates to the existing Enduro 3 owners.
While some might want even longer battery life, or perhaps a better MIP display, or perhaps changes in solar – the reality is that those are all industry-leading within the category in real-world usage. The Enduro 4 (and Enduro 3 before it) already has the longest GPS battery life by roughly out there, even before solar gains are considered, which can push it notably higher. As for the MIP displays, the reality is that there are very few companies making these panels, and they have very little reason to innovate in an area that continues to see dwindling unit volume. Certainly, I’d love to see a more readable MIP display in dimmer conditions, but I have a feeling that’s not happening anytime soon. Especially as AMOLED watch unit overall battery life continues to climb closer and closer to MIP display units.
In any event, assuming you’re choosing a MIP display unit, between the Garmin Enduro 4 vs Enduro 3 vs Fenix 9, I think the question you ask yourself is relatively simple: Do you care about scuba diving, microphone/speaker features, LTE, Satellite Communications, or a smaller 43/47mm unit? If the answer to all of those is ‘Nah’, then the Enduro is the clear winner. If you go for the Enduro 4, you’ll save yourself $200 over the Fenix 9 Solar unit priced at $1,099+. If you want to save a bit, you could pick up the Enduro 3 at a bit cheaper today, knowing it’ll get virtually all those new Enduro 4 software features in a few months or so. What the future in a year or two brings, I’ve got no idea (and I suspect Garmin hasn’t decided yet either).
In any case, hopefully all the above was useful in helping you decide.
With that, thanks for reading!
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