Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin presents smartwatch with MicroLED display
Garmin has introduced Pro models of its Fenix 8 series, which push the prices of the sports watches to the €2000 mark thanks to the bright MicroLED display.
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is the first smartwatch with a MicroLED display.
(Image: Garmin)
In the run-up to IFA, Garmin presented the Fenix 8 Pro series. With these models, the manufacturer integrates satellite communication via Inreach and LTE connectivity. For a monthly subscription of 10 euros, users can make emergency calls, share location data and send messages without having to rely on a smartphone.
Via the LTE network, users can make calls, send voice messages, share live tracking links and check the weather forecast using the Garmin Messenger app.
Ahead of Apple: First smartwatch with MicroLED display
The new Pro series also features minor visual changes compared to the Fenix 8 launched in 2024. In addition, the case is almost two mm thicker with a height of 16.5 mm. With the Pro models, customers can choose between the familiar AMOLED display or a bright MicroLED screen. With the latter, Garmin even beats Apple and Samsung to the punch.
The 1.4-inch MicroLED display with 454 Ă— 454 pixels is said to achieve a brightness of 4,500 cd/m2 instead of the 3,000 cd/m2 of the currently brightest smartwatches with an OLED screen, such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the Pixel Watch 4. With MicroLED technology, each of the 400,000 sub-pixels consists of a tiny LED, meaning that each of the pixels can be dimmed individually and thus display a perfect black. According to Garmin, MicroLED should be "perfectly readable from all viewing angles in direct sunlight" compared to OLED.
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However, the brighter display has a disadvantage: while the models with an AMOLED screen with an active always-on display are said to achieve a battery life of 15 days, the MicroLED version only lasts four days. Without the always-on display in smartwatch mode, the AMOLED models are said to run for up to 27 days on a single charge, while the MicroLED version lasts up to ten.
Pro = expensive
In addition to the new technical features, the Fenix 8 Pro models have waterproof metal buttons and a metal sensor protection on the side. The AMOLED or MicroLED screens also support touch interaction and are protected by sapphire glass and titanium bezels. An LED flashlight is also on board.
The range of functions of the new models remains largely identical to the Fenix 8: The watches support "performance, navigation, health and fitness functions such as endurance value, Hill Score, Garmin Coach, pre-installed TopoActive maps, dynamic RoundTrip routing, as well as ECG measurement, sleep coach, Garmin Pay, security and tracking functions, music storage and more," explains the company.
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The Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED is available in 47 mm and 51 mm sizes and costs from 1200 euros. Customers will have to dig deeper into their pockets for the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED: The watch with a size of 51 mm costs 2000 euros. According to Garmin, both models will be available from September 8, 2025.
(afl)
