Garmin has unveiled its new watch, the Fenix 8 Pro, just one week ahead of Apple’s reported reveal of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Garmin’s smartwatch boasts several revolutionary features, making it a potential game-changer. The most notable are its inReach satellite technology and its MicroLED display.
Garmin is beating Apple with this one feature in its smartwatch
Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro has surpassed Apple’s Watch series by introducing a MicroLED display. This high-resolution screen ensures superior readability with over 400,000 individual LEDs that deliver up to 4,500 nits, making it the world’s brightest smartwatch.
The Fenix 8 Pro series is also the first line of premium GPS watches to include inReach technology, allowing both satellite and cellular connectivity. This ensures that those engaged in adventurous activities or sports—where carrying a phone can be impractical—can still stay in touch.
Fenix 8 Pro’s satellite connectivity enables athletes and adventurers to send text messages via Garmin Messenger on a smartphone or compatible Garmin smartwatch. They can also share location check-ins to keep family and friends updated about their trips.
Through cellular connectivity, users can make voice calls and exchange 30-second voice messages. The watch also includes a LiveTrack feature that allows friends and family to follow the user’s location while on an adventure. When LTE is available, users can share LiveTrack links and weather forecasts.
An SOS function is available in case of emergencies. A message is sent to the Garmin Response center via satellite or cellular connection. Garmin Response then contacts the user, their emergency contacts, and search and rescue organizations to provide assistance.
Key Features of the Fenix 8 Pro
- Endurance and hill score
- Daily suggested workouts
- Preloaded TopoActive Maps
- Dynamic round-trip routing
- Garmin ECG app
- Sleep Coach
- Garmin Pay
- Safety, tracking, and other essential features
The Fenix 8 Pro comes in two models with different displays: AMOLED and MicroLED.
- The AMOLED version, available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, offers up to 27 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and starts at $1,199.
- The MicroLED version, available only in a 51mm size, offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and costs $1,999.
Both models launch on September 8, 2025.
