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Garmin loses the plot and launches its Fenix 8 Pro at €2,000!! Yes, you read that right. At that price, you get the version with a Mini LED screen instead of OLED. And you go from 27 days of battery life to… 10 days. Honestly, I just don’t understand this update.
It’s commercial suicide!
Especially when you look at the competition — I’m thinking of Coros or Amazfit and what they offer at what price point.
I thought Mini LED technology would bring back battery life worthy of MIP screens. Instead, they want to blind us with 4,500 nits of brightness.
As for the rest — LTE connectivity is a joke. Don’t expect to call your friends or be reachable without your phone. No, you’ll pay a subscription for the privilege of sending an SMS in an emergency…
I’ve compiled the new features below. For me, it’s goodbye Garmin.
Key specs
New generation: Garmin announces the Fenix 8 Pro series.
Enhanced connectivity:
- Cellular via LTE-M (data only, no phone number).
- Satellite via InReach technology.
- Display: addition of a MicroLED version with a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits.
Connectivity features
LTE-M limitations:
- No standard calls or traditional SMS.
- Communication only possible: Between Fenix 8 Pro users. Or via the Garmin Messenger app.
Cellular-enabled features:
- 30-second voice messages via Garmin Messenger.
- Live location sharing (LiveTrack).
- Access to real-time weather forecasts.
Satellite-enabled features:
- Send/receive text messages via Garmin Messenger.
- Location check-in.
- SOS: send to emergency services via the Garmin Response Center (requires subscription).
Subscriptions and conditions
Mandatory subscription: starting at $7.99/month.
Promotional offers:
- InReach activation fees waived for Fenix 8 Pro buyers.
- 30 free days for new users.
- Availability: LTE and satellite coverage not worldwide (check coverage zones on the Garmin website).
Positioning against the competition
Garmin has been lagging on phone-free connectivity, a space dominated by the Apple Watch Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Garmin’s maintained advantages: durability, battery life, advanced sports features.
Downside: cellular/satellite integration still partial and dependent on the Garmin ecosystem.
Limited track record: only the Forerunner 945 LTE (2021)
Hardware and pricing
Available sizes:
47 mm → $1,199.99 (OLED, 27-day battery life).
51 mm → $1,299.99 (OLED, 27-day battery life).
MicroLED version (51 mm):
Price: $1,999.99.
Reduced battery life: 10 days.
Availability: launch scheduled for September 8.
