Garmin introduced the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro models, the new members of its durable smartwatch family. The starting model of the series draws attention with its OLED screen, which can reach twice the brightness of the previous generation and reach 3,000 nits. In addition, while the memory capacity has been increased by 50 percent, the aim is to make navigating and scrolling on maps faster, thanks to the renewed map engine. The starting price for the 43 mm case option of Fenix 9 is set at $999.99. Garmin will make the new models available for order as of August 28.
Fenix 9’s innovations on the hardware side are not limited to the increase in screen and memory. While the watch uses a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, the internal storage capacity has been increased to 64 GB. This capacity increase provides more space, especially for users who keep offline maps and other data directly on the watch. In addition, Garmin supports hardware changes with new software features that expand health and training tracking. Thus, while the navigation and outdoor use-oriented structure of the Fenix series is preserved, the options for evaluating long-term performance data are also increasing.
Garmin Fenix 9 Pro expands satellite and LTE connectivity
Garmin Epic, a new software feature, can group workouts spanning several days, weeks or months into a single period. While this period determined by the user is turned into an “Epic”, health and performance data in that time period can be displayed together. In addition, new measurements are introduced for endurance tracking. Features for walking and training while carrying weight, known as rucking, have also been expanded. Users can now change the weight of the bag they carry as the workout continues, and the watch can include this change in activity data.
Battery life varies depending on case size, and Garmin gives up to 29 days of usage time in smartwatch mode for the 51 mm Fenix 9. Although this value seems remarkable considering that the OLED screen can reach 3,000 nits, the actual usage time can be expected to vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, GPS use, sensors and training frequency. The fact that the Fenix series offers different case options requires choosing between battery capacity and watch size. While smaller models take up less space on the wrist, they can provide advantages such as the largest case, longer battery life and larger screen. Therefore, instead of just looking at the stated maximum battery time, it is necessary to take into account the usage pattern.
On the Fenix 9 Pro side, the starting price increases to $ 1,099.99 and a titanium case is added to the innovations in the standard model. InReach satellite or LTE connection can be selected in three case sizes of the Pro series: 43 mm, 47 mm and 51 mm. While $100 is added to the price of the watch for this connection feature, a monthly subscription of $7.99 is required to use the service. Thus, communication options are expanded in conditions where there is no telephone connection, but the additional fee to be paid for hardware and subscription increases the total cost of ownership. Especially for people who will not use satellite connection regularly, the price difference between the standard Fenix 9 and Pro is one of the points that should be evaluated.
The 51 mm version of Fenix 9 Pro has a 1.5-inch OLED screen option for the first time in the series. The smaller case sizes in the series use 1.3 and 1.4 inch screens. While the increase in screen size provides more space when viewing maps and training data, the physically larger 51 mm case may not be suitable for every user. On the other hand, the renewed map engine and 50 percent more RAM are among the improvements that can directly affect the daily experience, especially for those who use maps frequently. According to the information provided by Garmin, it is aimed to scroll maps more smoothly compared to the previous generation.
In addition to the OLED screen, the 47 mm and 51 mm Fenix 9 Pro models also offer a screen option that supports solar charging. While Garmin promises up to 57 days of battery life for these models under suitable conditions, the user must be outside in 50,000 lux light conditions for three hours every day to achieve this value. Therefore, the 57-day period represents the maximum duration depending on certain sunlight conditions, rather than a value that can be directly expected in standard daily use. However, for hikers, campers and users interested in outdoor sports who are away from charging facilities for a long time, the solar option may offer a different usage advantage compared to the OLED model. Garmin will make the Fenix 9 family available for order starting from August 28 with different case and strap color combinations; In contrast to the lower starting price of the standard model, Pro models are distinguished by additional features such as titanium case, connection options and solar screen in certain sizes.
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