Garmin has officially launched the Fenix 8 Pro, a state-of-the-art fitness and outdoor smartwatch. It combines satellite and LTE connectivity, allowing users to stay connected even when they are in distant locations. The impressive US$2,000 price tag of the "top-end" model is a fact that merits more investigation.

At its core, the Fenix 8 Pro is designed to provide voice communications, text messaging, and phone calls via LTE. Users can share their current locations and travel routes in real time thanks to Garmin's cutting-edge LiveTrack features. It also functions flawlessly in all parts of the world and offers localized weather updates. The watch can link to satellites, allowing for ordinary SMS, emergency messages, and check-ins for people going far into the wilderness.

Unlike other satellite positioning and navigation devices that use Low Earth Orbit multi-satellite networks to pinpoint your location and beam data with global coverage, the 8 Pro uses a Geostationary Earth Orbit system, with a single satellite per region from Skylo's constellation across the US and Europe, reports New Atlas.

Since each of these satellites has a fixed location in space, you may need to move away from trees or other obstructions to ensure that you can see the satellite clearly in order to use the service.  According to Garmin, if you're properly aligned, messages and location coordinates should be sent in 10 seconds.

Additionally, the 8 Pro can recognize when you've fallen and send out an SOS.  Additionally, you can manually notify 911 to have emergency services sent to your location, and Garmin Response coordinators will do it on your behalf.

The 8 Pro will automatically switch to its own LTE and satellite networks when those perform better, although it will preferred use its mobile service over Bluetooth if you do decide to carry your phone.

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There are three Fenix 8 Pro models available: two models with 47-mm and 51-mm AMOLED displays, as well as a 51-mm model with a MicroLED display that is said to get extremely bright outside.

First-of-its-kind MicroLED display

Offering remarkable brightness in exquisite detail, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED features over 400,000 individual LEDs delivering up to 4,500 nits, making it the brightest smartwatch ever. The result is a revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability—even in direct sunlight.

Rugged design, premium features

Made for any adventure, all fēnix 8 Pro models are dive-rated and feature leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, AMOLED or MicroLED touchscreen displays and titanium bezels, plus an LED flashlight for greater visibility in dark environments.

Built for wherever the adventure leads, fēnix 8 Pro is loaded with Garmin’s full suite of performance, navigation, health and wellness2, and connected features, including endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, preloaded TopoActive Maps, dynamic round-trip routing, the Garmin ECG App3, sleep coach, Garmin Pay™, safety and tracking features and more. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com.

fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, gets up to 27 days of battery life in smartwatch mode4 and starts at $1,199.99. fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED comes in a 51mm size, gets up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and is $1,999.99. Both models are available to purchase on September 8, 2025.