Garmin fēnix 9 series introduces titanium cases, solar charging, and smarter stamina tracking

When Google launched the Pixel Watch 5 earlier this month, the company made the bold claim that its GPS route tracking accuracy surpassed the fēnix 8 Pro. While that is an impressive feat, what about the latest model from Garmin’s adventure smartwatches? Garmin expanded its portfolio today with the launch of the fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro.

In case you missed it, Garmin held an announcement event this morning where it unveiled the next entries in the fēnix line. The new multisport GPS smartwatches both come in three sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. You’ll also be able to outfit them with the new ComfortFit accessory bands, which feature a split-weave design.

What’s new on the fēnix 9?

Both the fēnix 9 and the Pro offer notable upgrades, so let’s start with the base model. The first upgrade is the AMOLED display, which is twice as bright as the fēnix 8 and features a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. You can also expect leakproof buttons, dive-rated for up to 40 meters.

On the inside, the RAM has been bumped up by 50%, going up from 32GB to 64GB. Along with that improvement, the device was given a more powerful, updated map engine. Garmin says that panning is now 30% faster than before.

As for new features and enhancements, here’s what you’re getting:

• Perspective view: Allows the user to better anticipate what’s coming next by adding more detail (both close-up and further away).
• Built-in routable maps: Built-in maps are designed to be smoother and more intuitive.
• Garmin Epic: A way to group multiple activities (recorded over several days, weeks, or months) into one shareable story in Garmin Connect.
• New stamina tracking features: This includes stamina zones and stamina curve, which are designed to show you changes in endurance over time based on fitness gains and training history.
• More indoor rowing activity insights: You’ll now have access to insights like VO2 Max and power curve.

What’s new on the fēnix 9 Pro?

For the first time, the Pro model features a titanium watch case. In another first, the 51mm version comes with the brand’s first 1.5-inch AMOLED display. Garmin says that this extends the display by 15% over fēnix 8 without increasing the case size. Select Pro models also come with solar charging displays.

The display can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and the LED flashlight has a new green light mode meant to preserve night vision. You’ll also find built-in satellite support, LTE connectivity, and SOS communication. That means you’ll be able to use this smartwatch independently of your smartphone. As you would expect, the fēnix 9 Pro includes all of the features of the base model.

InReach connectivity

Garmin adds that it has enhanced its inReach connectivity offerings, which will be available for select fēnix 9 Pro models. If you’re unfamiliar with this feature, it’s a subscription plan that allows the user to stay in contact with friends and family and get emergency help from the company’s 24/7 response team. These enhancements include:

• LiveTrack notifications: Now available in the Garmin Messenger app (via LTE), this feature notifies friends and family when you start an activity and lets them follow as you train.
• Garmin Locate: This is an LTE feature that allows family and friends to locate you through the Garmin Messenger app.
• Weather forecasts: You can now get weather forecasts for a specific location sent to your watch via satellite or LTE.

Price and availability

Both fēnix 9 models will be available in three sizes on Garmin’s website. The base model costs $999.99 for the 43mm and 47mm models, while the 51mm model sells for $1,099.99. As for the fēnix 9 Pro, both the 43mm and 47mm costs $1,099.99. That price jumps up to $1,199.99 for the 51mm model.