According to new unofficial reports, Garmin is preparing for the next generation of outdoor watches Fenix 9 now has three different versions instead of the previous two. While the previous generation Fenix 8 meant the "Pro" designation for integrated Cellular/LTE connectivity and functionality inReach, for the upcoming series Fenix 9 their division is to occur.
Model series Fenix 9 should thus consist of three separate branches:
- Fenix 9 (base model)
- Fenix 9 Pro
- Fenix 9 Pro inReach
- Connectivity functions separation
Just the third one variant, Fenix 9 Pro inReach, represents the main innovation in the division of the offer. Radio modules for LTE network and embedded system inReach for satellite SOS communication should be reserved exclusively for this top model.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
What exactly will the "middle" version offer? Fenix 9 Pro vs. Basic Fenixfor the 9, it's not entirely clear from the reports yet. There's speculation about additional software/hardware features or the use of more premium materials - similar to what happened with the sapphire editions in the past. But sapphire is already standard here, as is titanium, although you can still buy the more affordable steel version variantu.
MIP display and solar charging remain
Fans of transreflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) with solar charging will also be available in the next generation, albeit with certain limitations:
- Basic Fenix 9: Will only offer AMOLED display, varianta MIP Solar is completely missing for this model.
- Fenix 9 For a Fenix 9 Pro inReach: Both of these higher models will be available as varianty with AMOLED display, as well as versions with MIP Solar.
- MicroLED: Which model gets a unique MicroLED It is not yet clear, but given its complexity, it could be assumed that it will be the most equipped and also the most expensive model.
However, this division corresponds to the broader trend of the Garmin brand, where AMOLED is becoming the primary standard and the manufacturer reserves MIP technology for more demanding users in the higher ranges. But it is true that I already predicted its end, so to some extent Garmin is still surprised that this technology is included in the portfolio FenixIt maintains.
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Size 43 mm for all versions, but not in MIP
The new features also include the dimensions of the case. All three upcoming levels (Fenix 9, Fenix 9 For i Fenix 9 Pro inReach) are also to offer the smallest 43mm variantu. With this, Garmin corrects one of the disadvantages of the previous generation Fenix 8 Pro, where the 43mm size was completely missing. The catch, however, is that the 43mm models will only be available with an AMOLED display. For the MIP Solar display, it will still be necessary to reach for larger case sizes.
43 mm Fenix 8
Upcoming series split Fenix 9 into three models actually makes a lot of sense to me, because separating expensive LTE and satellite inReach connectivity to a separate Pro and basic version will allow interested parties not to pay for features they will not use. And that interested party is me personally. Garmin also confirms the move towards AMOLED displays as the new standard, while the traditional MIP Solar remains reserved only for more demanding users of higher Pro editions. The return of the smallest 43mm size across the entire range will also please.
