Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most popular supply on Google.
The Garmin Fenix 8 has been considered one of my favourite sports activities watches of the previous few years, which is why I used to be excited to listen to in regards to the information of the brand new Garmin Fenix 9 and 9 Professional watches, out there on August twenty eighth.
The Fenix collection is constructed for individuals who need all of it in a sports activities watch — and do not thoughts paying over $1,000 to get there. Given the capabilities of the Fenix line, you may even select fashions that allow you to go away your cellphone behind, justifying the excessive value for some customers.
Additionally: I examined the perfect sports activities watches in 2026: Listed below are the newest and biggest watches, irrespective of your funds
Garmin’s new lineup options the Fenix 9, 9 Professional, and 9 Professional Photo voltaic. The Fenix 9 and 9 Professional have shiny AMOLED shows, whereas the Professional Photo voltaic has a photo voltaic charging glass show with MIP expertise for longer battery life and the flexibility to cost whereas outdoors.
Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at how the Fenix 9 Professional stacks as much as the Fenix 8 Professional, now that I’ve spent two years with it on my wrist.
Specs
|
Garmin Fenix 9 Professional |
Garmin Fenix 8 Professional |
|
|
Show |
1.5-inch AMOLED, 466×466 pixels, 3000 nits |
1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 pixels, 1500 nits |
|
Weight (with out strap) |
73g |
65g |
|
Dimensions |
51x 51 x 15.8 mm |
51 x 51 x 16.5 mm |
| Battery life (GPS) | 56 hours | 56 hours |
| Battery life (smartwatch) | 31 days | 27 days |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Value | $1299 | $1049 |
You can purchase the Garmin Fenix 9 Professional if…
1. You need the perfect match and end
The Fenix collection has all the time had probably the most sturdy and high-end supplies within the watch. The Fenix 9 Professional takes issues to the subsequent degree with a watch case made from titanium — not simply on the bezels. Earlier generations have been made from a sturdy polymer materials for the watch case, so the brand new titanium materials seems higher and is extra sturdy.
Additionally: The very best Garmin watches of 2026: Skilled examined and reviewed
Garmin additionally revealed new ComfortFit material bands which have split-weave designs to supply flexibility, sturdiness, and moisture resistance. The ComfortFit bands additionally use the QuickFit system for simply swapping them out if you need to exercise, after which swap bands to return to work.
2. You need InReach functionality on a smaller watch
The Fenix 9 Professional is available in three case sizes with InReach satellite tv for pc/LTE help for the 43, 47, and 51 mm fashions. Garmin’s InReach subscription offers you with limitless LTE messaging and calling service with varied ranges of satellite tv for pc help.
A brand new characteristic of the Fenix 9 Professional is stay monitoring help through inReach service so household and buddies can monitor your out of doors adventures even for those who do not provoke a particular stay monitoring occasion.
3. You need the brightest show on a Fenix watch
The brand new Fenix 9 AMOLED show is able to reaching as much as 3,000 nits of brightness — twice that of the Fenix 8 AMOLED watches. On the 51mm mannequin, the show additionally measures 1.5 inches and is 15% bigger than the Fenix 8 Professional. There isn’t a microLED possibility out there this 12 months in any Fenix 9 mannequin.
Additionally: Whoop vs. Fitbit Air: I used each to trace my well being and health for a month – this one’s higher
The large shiny show is unbelievable for supporting the brand new map options as properly, that present extra layers and new views for optimum navigation proper out of your watch.
4. You need to carry all your maps and music
Garmin doubled the onboard storage of the Fenix 9 Professional with as a lot as 64GB out there for storing maps and music. Garmin helps all types of maps, together with ski resort maps and golf programs, so for those who plan to take part in quite a lot of actions that use maps, you could need to get the Fenix 9 Professional.
You can purchase the Garmin Fenix 8 Professional if…
1. You need to save $250
There isn’t any manner round it: the Fenix collection are costly watches. In the event you’re searching for a mannequin with InReach satellite tv for pc help and lengthy battery life, shopping for the Fenix 8 Professional is a strong consideration. You should utilize that $250 financial savings to purchase extra bands, buy the InReach service, or take into account the Garmin Cirqa as a smaller Garmin system to trace your sleep.
The Fenix 8 Professional stays a compelling flagship smartwatch and has by no means let me down over the previous two years, however the associated fee distinction is the one cause to buy the Fenix 8 Professional at this level. A few of the software program enhancements, just like the Garmin Epic characteristic could come to the Fenix 8 Professional sooner or later too, so for those who already personal a Fenix 8 Professional then you definately probably will not take into account an improve on the premium value level.
Additionally: This Garmin beat my Apple Watch Extremely in virtually each manner (and it is simply as rugged)
The Fenix 9 begins at $999 for the 43mm, and is on the market in 47mm and 51mm band sizes. The Fenix 9 Professional is available in the identical three band sizes, beginning at $1,099. The Fenix 9 Professional Photo voltaic is just out there in 47mm and 51mm sizes, and in addition begins at $1,099. All the brand new units will likely be out there to order on August twenty eighth, 2026.
