Garmin has never been a brand that chases the mainstream smartwatch crowd. Instead, it has carved a reputation among athletes, adventurers, and outdoor professionals who value durability, extreme endurance, and functionality over flashy features. 
With the launch of its new Fenix 8 Pro series, Garmin is doubling down on that strategy, unveiling two devices that push the limits of wearable technology while demanding sky-high prices that even Apple or Samsung might hesitate to charge.
The lineup includes the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and its premium sibling, the Fenix 8 Pro – MicroLED. Both will officially hit the market on September 8, strategically just one day before Apple unveils its highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup. Yet, at $1,199.99 for the standard edition and a staggering $1,999.99 for the MicroLED model, these watches aren’t designed to compete with Apple’s Series 11 or Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 directly. Instead, Garmin is aiming squarely at the ultra-premium segment, offering unmatched connectivity, extreme performance, and groundbreaking display technology.
inReach Technology: Satellite Power Meets Smartwatch Design
Garmin’s ace up its sleeve is its proprietary inReach technology, which now comes standard in the Fenix 8 Pro family
. Until now, Garmin’s position in the global smartwatch market was handicapped by its lack of integrated cellular connectivity – something Apple and Samsung have turned into selling points. With the Fenix 8 Pro, Garmin addresses this gap while simultaneously outpacing rivals in satellite communication.
Every model in the new series supports LTE, but not in the same way a Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch does. You can’t just stream music or browse apps on the go. Instead, Garmin uses LTE in combination with inReach to allow voice calls to other Fenix 8 Pro users, short 30-second voice messages, and seamless communication through the Garmin Messenger app. Beyond that, users can share their live location, send check-ins, and rely on satellite messaging when traditional networks fail.
This is what makes the Fenix 8 Pro stand out: it’s not about competing with mainstream smartwatches but about serving those who venture far off the grid. 
Hikers in the Himalayas, solo sailors, backcountry skiers, or even rescue professionals will see value in a device that doesn’t just track heart rate but can keep them connected when the nearest cell tower is hundreds of miles away. The cost, however, doesn’t end with the hardware. Garmin’s inReach service requires a $9.99 monthly subscription, further emphasizing that this isn’t a casual purchase but a serious tool for those who need it.
The World’s Brightest Smartwatch Display
The MicroLED version of the Fenix 8 Pro introduces another first: what Garmin claims is the brightest smartwatch display ever made. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, this panel eclipses anything currently available, including the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. For context, Apple’s top-tier watches are expected to peak around 3,000 nits. In real-world use, this means crisp, vivid visuals even under the harshest sunlight or reflective snow.
Of course, such brightness comes at a cost, and not just financial. The MicroLED display drops the battery endurance from the impressive 27 days of the standard Fenix 8 Pro down to about 10 days. While that’s still dramatically better than the two-day lifespan of most Apple Watches, it’s a significant compromise if your adventures last weeks rather than days. Those prioritizing endurance may want to stick with the AMOLED-equipped $1,199 model, which still offers excellent visuals and the same extensive feature set.
All the Wellness Tools, Without the Spotlight
Interestingly, Garmin itself doesn’t emphasize health tracking in its Fenix 8 Pro marketing, even though these watches are packed with the full suite of wellness tools. You’ll still get ECG monitoring, advanced sleep coaching, endurance and hill scores, daily workout suggestions, and detailed maps like TopoActive for outdoor navigation. In other words, all the essentials are there – Garmin just wants you to focus on what sets the Fenix apart: communication and extreme usability in the wild.
That doesn’t mean the health tools aren’t important. For serious athletes, the combination of Garmin’s training metrics with new satellite-enabled safety features makes the Fenix 8 Pro one of the most capable multi-sport wearables ever produced. Whether you’re running marathons, trekking, or climbing, it’s as much a performance coach as it is a survival tool.
Pricing and Market Position
At nearly $2,000, the Fenix 8 Pro – MicroLED is priced higher than many flagship smartphones and even some laptops. Garmin knows this isn’t a product for everyone. Instead, it’s positioned as a specialist’s device, catering to professionals and enthusiasts who view their smartwatch as mission-critical gear, not just a fitness accessory. Apple may win in sales volume, but Garmin’s bet is that a smaller, loyal niche will pay top dollar for reliability and safety.
The timing of the release is also noteworthy. By launching just before Apple’s iPhone 17 event, Garmin ensures that the Fenix 8 Pro gets headlines and visibility before being drowned out by Apple’s inevitable hype. For anyone looking at Apple’s upcoming Watch Ultra 3 and wondering whether it will support true satellite messaging, Garmin offers a clear answer: not yet, and not like this.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro series isn’t for casual buyers, nor is it designed to lure away millions of Apple Watch owners. Instead, it’s a bold statement that smartwatches can be more than step counters or app launchers. With unmatched satellite integration, rugged build quality, and an optional MicroLED display that sets a new standard for brightness, these watches are tools built for extremes. The price tags may be shocking, but for the right audience, the Fenix 8 Pro represents not just a luxury purchase but an investment in safety, performance, and independence.
2 comments
MicroLED sounds sick but 10 days feels short tbh
Finally Garmin adds LTE, took them long enough