- After much speculation, Garmin drops the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
- This smartwatch features first-of-its-kind MicroLED smartwatch screen tech and LTE connectivity
- The microLED version costs £1,729.99 in the UK (around $2,320 / AU$3,550)
Garmin has revealed its Fenix 8 Pro series, two super-premium versions of the already-pricey Garmin Fenix 8, with on-wrist satellite communication via its InReach service, LTE connectivity and a MicroLED screen – said to be "the brightest smartwatch screen ever" by Garmin.
The MicroLED screen, comprising more than 400,000 LEDs according to Garmin, is said to be "a revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability—even in direct sunlight".
It's only available on the larger 51mm version, while the smaller 47mm version appears to be a Garmin Fenix 8 with standard AMOLED screen and new communications features.
The new features include, as previously rumored, LTE connectivity and satellite communication. Satellite connectivity is used for location check-ins and text messages via Garmin Messenger. The recipient will need to be using the Garmin Messenger app on their phone or one of the best Garmin watches to receive these messages.
LTE connectivity can be used to make voice calls to those with the Garmin Messenger app too, or voice messages to another watch (which gets automatically transcribed). Garmin's useful LiveTrack functionality, relevant weather information, and Garmin Response emergency service direction are also used with LTE.
Otherwise, it appears the watches are standard Fenix 8 models based on the description and given specifications: the only changes are the features described above.
Garmin Fenix 8 pro models start at £1,029.99 in the UK (around $1,400 / AU$2,110) while the 51mm MicroLED version costs a hefty £1,729.99 in the UK (around $2,320 / AU$3,550). We'll update this article once we get more detailed pricing info for US and AU regions.
It's likely no coincidence Garmin is dropping the Fenix 8 Pro mere days before the Apple Watch Ultra 3. MicroLED screen tech was rumored for Apple's top-end watch for a while, but some reports suggest the idea has been put on the backburner for now. Garmin getting there first is a major coup for the adventure brand.
