Garmin has launched its Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro smartwatches as new flagship models for runners, mountaineers, divers, and other outdoor users. New models bring more RAM, faster map performance, new health and training features, satellite communication, and battery life of up to 57 days on select solar models.
Fenix 9 uses a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium rear cover, while Fenix 9 Pro adds a full titanium case. Both models use sapphire crystal and include leak-proof buttons. Watches also carry a 40-meter dive rating for scuba and apnea activities.
Garmin Fenix 9 Gets More RAM and Faster Maps
One of main upgrades on Fenix 9 is memory. Garmin says Fenix 9 has 50% more RAM than Fenix 8. Watch also comes with 64GB of storage, which is twice amount offered on Fenix 8.
Garmin does not confirm which chip powers Fenix 9. However, available hardware details suggest watch may use NXP i.MX RT700, which has 7.5MB of on-chip SRAM compared with 5MB on NXP RT595 used in Fenix 8.
NXP RT700 also uses a 325MHz Cortex-M33 processor and a new graphics system. Garmin’s move to newer hardware could explain map performance gains on Fenix 9.
Garmin says map panning can run up to 30% faster than Fenix 8. Route calculation can also run 40% faster than Fenix 8 Pro in some cases. Garmin shows smoother map zoom and adds a perspective view that can display more route detail.
Fenix 9 Pro Adds Titanium and AMOLED Upgrades
Fenix 9 Pro includes features found on Fenix 9 and adds a full titanium case. Garmin also says Pro models can reach 3,000 nits of peak brightness.
51mm Fenix 9 Pro has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display. Select Pro models also offer solar charging displays, which can extend battery life to 57 days.
Select Pro models also support inReach connectivity. This allows users to access two-way satellite communication, LiveTrack notifications through LTE, Garmin Locate, weather forecasts for a selected location, and emergency support through Garmin Response.
Satellite communication can help users who travel beyond cell coverage. Feature can be useful for backcountry running, mountaineering, hiking, and other outdoor activity.
New Health and Training Features
Fenix 9 also adds Garmin Epic, which groups activity data from several days, weeks, or months into one record. Users can view health and performance data, add photos, and share activity information.
Garmin also adds more data for indoor rowing and expands rucking features. New stamina tracking logic includes stamina zones and a stamina curve.
Both watches focus on health, fitness, training, navigation, and outdoor use. Users can track workouts, performance data, health data, and activity plans from watch.
Battery Life Reaches 57 Days
Garmin Fenix 9 comes in 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes. Fenix 9 starts at $999.99 and can reach 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode on 51mm model.
Fenix 9 Pro starts at $1,099.99. 51mm model can reach 31 days in smartwatch mode, while select solar versions can reach up to 57 days.
Battery life will vary based on model, display type, solar charging, GPS use, satellite communication, and other features.
Fenix 8 Pro Gets a $250 Price Cut
With Fenix 9 now available, Fenix 8 Pro becomes an older option. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is available for $1,049.99 as of August 26, which means a $250 saving from its list price.
Fenix 8 Pro still offers a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, sapphire lens, GPS, health tracking, training features, LED flashlight, 40-meter dive rating, and inReach satellite technology.
Fenix 8 Pro can also send an SOS message through inReach to Garmin Response, which provides support around clock.
For users who do not need Fenix 9 features, lower Fenix 8 Pro price can make older model an option.
Fenix 9 vs Fenix 9 Pro
Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro share many core features, including navigation, health tracking, training tools, dive support, sapphire crystal, and new map performance.
Fenix 9 Pro adds full titanium construction, higher peak display brightness, a 1.5-inch AMOLED option on 51mm model, and select models with solar charging and inReach connectivity.
Main difference is that Fenix 9 starts at $999.99, while Fenix 9 Pro starts at $1,099.99.
Garmin Targets Outdoor Users
With Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro, Garmin focuses on users who need GPS navigation, long battery life, health tracking, training data, and communication during outdoor activity.
New hardware also addresses one of main complaints around Fenix 8: slow map movement. Garmin now says Fenix 9 can pan maps up to 30% faster, while route calculation can also improve.
Fenix 9 Pro adds satellite communication and titanium construction for users who want more functions in one watch. Fenix 8 Pro remains an option for users who want many of these features at a lower price after its $250 discount.
