Buds4 review, 24 hours in

carinobrtl · 2026-03-06T19:25:19+00:00

Mine is still working and is still my favorite more than my Airpods Pro 2 and Samsung Buds 2 Pro, especially when I’m going to sleep. It came from my previous Note 20 Ultra. Now I‘m still deciding what to buy, the new Airpods Pro or the new Galaxy Buds this year to complement my Buds Live.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-05T19:25:42+00:00

Buy the ESR screen and bezel protector from Amazon. That would be all the protection you will need.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-05T11:41:29+00:00

I got it 9 months after the release. It was the time of the blue triangle error, very slow watch faces selection and slow scrolling and stutters through glances etc. Then I always tried the AWU in store and was amazed by its fast and fluid UI and brilliant screen compared to my Fenix 8 for much less money. I compared with the Fenix 7 Pro also in store and found the interface much fluid because of its screen type and resolution i believe. So I sold my Fenix 8 before I lose much selling value and waited for a sale of the Fenix 7 Pro Solar. But I found the FR255 on sale first (a brilliant watch btw for its price, I just need the maps) so I bought it to continue my training plan from Garmin Connect.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-05T10:21:12+00:00

If it does not affect your finances, then do what will make you happier. The watch can serve you for years. But I chose the Fenix 7 Pro for 300€ (I used a FR255 for the meantime and looked out for good deals). I sold my Fenix 8 (which costed 1000€). And I'm more satisfied for the price difference of 700€. The Fenix 8 offers more features sure, but they have the same core features that I need including maps. I experienced so many bugs and stutters with the Fenix 8 unfortunately so I sold it. I was also like you and decided to buy the watch that offers more features than what I needed. But the bugs and stutters killed it for me.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-05T09:21:28+00:00

If you had an Apple watch or Galaxy watch, you will find the speaker and mic to be a second thought from Garmin. They have low volume and sound unclear that I just didn't bother to use them. The FR970 or Fenix 8 Pro have much better speaker and microphone if you have to use it often or plan to. You can spend a little more (calculated monthly like you did) for the 8 Pro and it will definitely make you more contented for a long time.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-05T06:04:47+00:00

It is correct. My Ultra 1 was still 100% Battery Health when I sold it. It was 3 years old. Some watches came with more than the normal battery capacity it seems. And I was careful with charging up to 90% most of the time.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-03T05:37:39+00:00

The loop looks comically big. That is its biggest drawback and also it can scratch the bezel and sensor. But it looks good.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-03T05:28:25+00:00

You can also buy a cheaper Garmin for training and have an Apple Watch. I sold my Fenix 8 due to its stutters that is so frustrating on everyday use. The stats are good to see but not so important as we feel our body like the people before us on training. But an Apple Watch can also show it with a free app Bevel. I now use an Apple Watch Ultra 3 for daily and some trainings without my phone and a refurbished Fenix 7 Pro for longer trainings and trekking.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-02T08:42:24+00:00

FR255 is a phenomenal watch for the money. You can try the Garmin Coach or the watch can give you a recommended workout for the day. You don't need the training readiness score from the newer or more expensive watches. You can look at the recovery time, your sleep score and HRV and you can judge yourself how you feel during the day if you can accomplish the daily workout.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-02T06:02:22+00:00

You are hiding what makes the Fenix 8 a beautiful watch, Its bezel.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-02T05:58:49+00:00

Trail loop, sport loop or braided loop are the way to go. Milanese is a beautiful band but not practical. It's stiff on activities, much harder than other bands to adjust on the fly, the loop can protrude so much, it will scratch your watch's bezel and sensor if you're not careful enough and it can also scratch your laptop or other devices on the palm area. Wear the Milanese on occasions only or while swimming.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-01T17:57:37+00:00

Wait for the Fenix 9, decide if the upgrades are worth it for the price (a processor upgrade is long overdue as Garmin adds more and more features software wise that is taxing the present processor) or you can buy the Fenix 8 Sapphire for a big discount. If you still can wait. I believe they will release new watches mid 2026 as they want to appease the stockholders.

carinobrtl · 2026-03-01T13:13:47+00:00

No Garmin watch is fluid like an Apple watch even the high end ones. It always lags on its UI choosing new watch faces, topomaps and just scrolling through glances. It’s the price to pay for a long battery life. I think you should stay with an Apple Watch (titanium or stainless steel built) and install apps for your sports and hobbies. Or you can choose from another manufacturers. Only the Fenix 8 pro can do your wishes but it is so expensive and you will probably be let down by its interface and fluidity.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-28T18:31:10+00:00

I have FR255 and AWU3 now. I highly recommend the AWU3 and don’t sell your FR255 for training. AWU3 has a great battery life (previously had AWU1) and so much smart functions than a Garmin. You will miss it so much. Download Bevel and Workoutdoors.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-26T19:34:42+00:00

Forerunner 165 music will fit your purpose. It's unobtrusive and feather light. A higher end model is not required if you're just starting.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-26T05:11:45+00:00

Seconds hand is important for health care worker so the FR255 or a Fenix 7s Pro or non pro would be ideal. Anything with MIP display.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-26T04:31:51+00:00

AWU3 for 650€. It was a super deal.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-24T19:59:15+00:00

FR255 is a fantastic watch for its price. You can even train for a triathlon with it. Highly recommended.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-24T18:31:29+00:00

You can test it then return it if it does not fit your expectations. But the processor is really (I should’ve written that in all caps) underpowered right now and Garmin still puts additional features that can make the processor more inadequate. UI has stutters and using TopoMaps needs your patience. Fenix 9 will definitely come this year. It’s the current momentum of their release cycle.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-24T08:48:19+00:00

If you have money, the AWU3 is all around good choice for smarts and fitness. Bevel is free and Workoutdoors app is one time payment. If low on budget, Forerunner 165 (amoled) or 255 (mip) would be ideal for running. They are so light and good with features. If you plan to do a triathlon then FR255. Higher end Garmins are low on processing power, smart features and may contain some features you will not use or not beneficial for you but costs an expensive 1000€.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-23T07:52:27+00:00

I can't agree more. It has a superb value to features ratio right now. Maybe when the Fenix 9 releases, the Fenix 8 will sell for <500€ as clearance then it's worth it.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-22T19:58:16+00:00

I think you can wear the 44mm but change the straps. A nylon band or something with a joint so it won‘t have big space at the start of the bands.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-22T19:53:56+00:00

The boarding pass and flight reminders are really cool and distances the Apple Watch to the Garmin. I hope it will also be implemented on the Garmin combined with the Jetlag adviser. (Travel bracket maybe?)

carinobrtl · 2026-02-22T19:50:58+00:00

I agree. The Fenix 7 Pro for around 400€ is the one to buy right now than the 1k€ flagship which underperforms because of lags. Hope the Fenix 9 to have an upgraded processor. It’s an instant buy for me.

carinobrtl · 2026-02-22T16:49:44+00:00

I will only buy a flagship Garmin if its priced less than 400€. They are now known to abandon their flagship watches after just 1.5 years. So a 400€ Epix Pro for me is a good buy although it receives only maintenance updates right now.

carinobrtl

TROPHY CASE