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| The Garmin Enduro 4 offers long battery life but lacks some features of the Fenix 9 |
The latest ultra-endurance watch from Garmin brings impressive upgrades, but the competition from within might be too strong
Garmin has quietly expanded its smartwatch lineup with the Enduro 4, a multisport watch designed for athletes who demand extreme battery life. But according to recent analysis, this latest iteration might not be the automatic upgrade fans were hoping for—especially when the Fenix 9 exists.
What's New in the Enduro 4?
The Enduro 4 brings several meaningful hardware improvements over its predecessor. Internal storage has doubled to 64GB, RAM has increased by 50%, and the watch now features the same updated processor found in Garmin's Fenix 9 platform. According to DC Rainmaker's comprehensive comparison video, these changes result in noticeably faster loading times and smoother map zooming.
The watch also introduces a slightly tilted perspective map view, making navigation feel more intuitive during trail runs and hikes. The case design and strap system have received subtle revisions as well.
The Upgrade Question: Should You Bother?
For existing Enduro 3 owners, the answer is likely no. As detailed in The5KRunner's upgrade guide, the Enduro 4 shares the same battery life, case, display, and sensors as its predecessor. The battery specs remain identical: 120 hours in GPS mode, extending to 320 hours with solar charging.
"The Enduro 3 and Enduro 4 share the longest GPS battery life," the guide notes, "and most of the software improvements will reach Enduro 3 via update."
That means features like Garmin Epic, stamina zones, and rucking workouts will trickle down to older models. Only perspective view maps, the faster map engine, and ArcheryX require the new hardware.
Enduro 4 vs Fenix 9: The Real Dilemma
The more interesting comparison might be between the Enduro 4 and Garmin's flagship Fenix 9. According to Notebookcheck's analysis, prospective buyers should carefully consider what they're sacrificing.
The Enduro 4 comes in a single 51mm case size, while the Fenix 9 offers multiple sizing options. More significantly, the Fenix 9 includes a microphone for voice features and dedicated diving capabilities—both absent from the Enduro 4.
However, the Enduro 4 retains its memory-in-pixel (MiP) display rather than adopting AMOLED technology. While AMOLED screens are increasingly common, MiP displays maintain a loyal following for their always-on visibility and lower power consumption.
Who Should Buy the Enduro 4?
According to the upgrade guide, the Enduro 4 makes the most sense for owners of the original 2021 Enduro. That generation lacked maps, music storage, multi-band GPS, and Training Readiness—all features that have become standard in premium Garmin watches.
For those athletes, the jump to Enduro 4 represents a massive leap forward. GPS battery life increases from 70 hours to 120 hours, and the watch gains preloaded TopoActive maps, a flashlight, and the ECG app.
The Bottom Line
The Garmin Enduro 4 is an excellent watch—but it exists in a crowded field. With the Enduro 3 offering nearly identical battery performance at a lower price, and the Fenix 9 providing more versatility for similar money, the Enduro 4's value proposition requires careful consideration.
For ultramarathon runners and multi-day adventurers who prioritize battery life above all else, the Enduro 4 delivers. For everyone else, the decision isn't quite so simple.
The Garmin Enduro 4 is available now on Amazon starting at $899.99.
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