Garmin isn’t messing around. While most smartwatches are still figuring out how to not die before bedtime, the new fēnix 8 Pro series is out here making satellite calls, firing SOS signals, and shining brighter than your neighbor’s Christmas lights. Yes, brighter. The MicroLED model alone pushes 4,500 nits across over 400,000 tiny LEDs, which is enough to make your retinas file a workplace grievance.
But the glow isn’t just for show. This is the first Garmin smartwatch with inReach built in, meaning you can ditch your phone and still text, send location check-ins, or even make calls straight from the wrist. Throw in SOS support with Garmin Response, and you’ve basically strapped a lifeline to your arm.
Specs-wise, you’re looking at dive-ready ruggedness, leakproof metal buttons, titanium bezels, AMOLED or MicroLED touchscreens, an LED flashlight, and every training, health, and navigation feature Garmin could cram into 51 mm of wrist real estate. Battery life hits up to 27 days on the AMOLED version, or 10 days on the MicroLED.
The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED starts at US$1,199.99, while the fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED will run you US$1,999.99 when both models drop on September 8, 2025.
Images: Garmin.