With the Fenix 8 Pro series, Garmin is launching a new generation of multisport smartwatches on the market that are equipped with integrated inReach technology for satellite and LTE connectivity for the first time. This technology enables users to communicate without a smartphone, offer live tracking and make an interactive SOS emergency call in an emergency. Another innovation is the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED, which is equipped with a MicroLED display. MicroLED displays are particularly bright and easy to read. With a brightness of 4,500 nits and 400,000 individual LEDs, the watch sets a new standard in terms of brightness and readability, according to Garmin. Samsung also presented a MicroLED display for smartwatches in January - but so far only as a prototype. The watches will be available from 8 September 2025, with prices starting at €1199.99 for the AMOLED versions and ranging up to €1999.99 for the MicroLED model.
Communication via satellite and LTE
The Fenix 8 Pro series uses either a satellite or LTE connection for communication, depending on availability. The satellite connection uses inReach technology, which requires a Garmin subscription. This enables the exchange of text messages with anyone using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone or a compatible Garmin smartwatch. Users can also send location data to family and friends so that they can follow the progress of their journey. The LTE connection offers extended communication options such as voice calls with other Fenix 8 Pro wearers or people using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone. Voice messages with a maximum length of 30 seconds can also be recorded and shared, and recipients can listen to them or read them as a transcription on their smartwatch or in the Garmin Messenger app. Garmin previously offered the inReach system in handheld devices such as the GPSMAP H1i Plus. To use the function, you have to take out a subscription, which starts at 10 euros per month. SOS emergency calls are free of charge in all tariffs - text messages via satellite cost €0.60 in the cheapest monthly tariff, a picture message costs €1.20 and live tracking via satellite costs €0.15 per 10 minutes.
Fenix 8 pro SOS emergency call function
When an emergency call is triggered via the watch, the device sends a message via satellite or LTE to Garmin Response, the 24/7 international emergency coordination centre. From there, the Garmin team communicates with those seeking help, their emergency contacts and the relevant search and rescue organisations. The team keeps everyone involved informed about the status of the operation and remains available throughout. With almost two decades of experience, the Garmin Response Team has already supported more than 17,000 inReach Incident Response operations in over 150 countries on all seven continents, according to the company. In addition to the SOS function, the new series offers further safety and tracking functions such as LiveTrack, which allows friends and family to track the current location and progress.
MicroLED display and technical features
The Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED is a technological first: According to Garmin, it is the first smartwatch with a MicroLED display. The high-resolution 1.4-inch touch display achieves a brightness of up to 4500 nits with over 400,000 individual LEDs. As a result, the display should be easy to read from all viewing angles, even in direct sunlight, and bring out vibrant colours particularly well. The sports watch is available with a diameter of 51 millimetres and, according to Garmin, offers a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode. All models in the series have a robust design with waterproof metal buttons, a metal sensor protection on the side and sapphire glass. The Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED models are available in 47 millimetre and 51 millimetre sizes and offer a longer battery life of up to 27 days in smartwatch mode.
The Fenix 8 Pro series comes with extensive performance, navigation, health and fitness functions. The sport-specific features include endurance value, Hill Score and Garmin Coach. Pre-installed TopoActive maps and dynamic RoundTrip routing are on board for navigation. In the health area, the watch offers the Garmin ECG app and a sleep coach, among other things. Other functions include Garmin Pay for contactless payment and an integrated music memory. All models also have an LED torch, which can be useful for activities in the dark.
Model variants and availability
The Fenix 8 Pro series is available in several variants. The Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED is available in 47 millimetre and 51 millimetre sizes and starts at €1199.99 (RRP). According to Garmin, it offers a battery life of up to 27 days in smartwatch mode. The Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED is only available in the 51 millimetre size, has a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode according to Garmin and costs €1999.99 (RRP). All models have titanium bezels, which contributes to a high-quality appearance. The entire Fenix 8 Pro series will be available from 8 September 2025. A separate Garmin subscription is required to use inReach technology, while LTE functionality requires network coverage.
Fenix 8 Pro Technical specifications
- Display: AMOLED-Touch display with sapphire glass (fenix 8 Pro AMOLED) or 1.4-inch MicroLED touch display with 4500 nits and over 400,000 LEDs (Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED)
- Housing sizes: 47 mm and 51 mm (AMOLED), only 51 mm (MicroLED)
- Material: Titanium bezels, sapphire crystal, metal case
- Communication: Integrated inReach technology for satellite and LTE connection
- Battery life: Up to 27 days in smartwatch mode (AMOLED), up to 10 days (MicroLED)
- Safety functions: Interactive SOS emergency call, LiveTrack, location check-ins
- Navigation functions: Pre-installed TopoActive maps, dynamic RoundTrip routing
- Sports functions: Endurance score, Hill Score, Garmin Coach
- Health functions: Garmin ECG app, sleep coach
- Additional functions: LED torch, Garmin Pay, music memory
- Price: From 1199.99 euros (AMOLED), 1999.99 euros (MicroLED)
- Availability: From 8 September 2025
Kristian Bauer
Editor
