Garmin Fenix 9: twice brighter AMOLED, 64 GB storage, and titanium case

At its Play Harder event, Garmin unveiled a new generation of its most expensive outdoor watches. The Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro arrive simultaneously and differ in material, display, and what they can survive without a charger. And it’s in battery life that a surprise lies.

Brighter Display and Double the Storage

The base Fenix 9 received a 1.4-inch AMOLED, which Garmin claims is twice as bright as the equivalent on the Fenix 8. However, the manufacturer did not disclose specific nits values, so treat this claim with caution for now.

More tangible is the increase in memory. Storage has doubled to 64 GB, RAM has increased by half, and Garmin has added a redesigned map engine. The combination of all three is expected to speed up map scrolling by up to 30%. The software also gained an endurance curve and zones, and extended features for rucking, i.e., walking with a load.

Battery Life That Hasn’t Moved

And now for the interesting part. The Fenix 9 lasts, depending on case size, 10 days (43 mm), 16 days (47 mm), and 29 days (51 mm). That sounds nice, but these are exactly the same numbers as the Fenix 8. Compared to older Fenix 7 models with energy-efficient MiP displays, it’s even a step backward.

That’s why the Pro version is interesting. It returns to the MiP display for the two larger sizes. The 51mm variant with it lasts 57 days in normal use instead of 31, and in power-saving mode, even 291 days instead of 42. While the colors are not as vibrant, the power consumption is incomparable.

What the Pro Version Can Do Extra

There are more differences. The Fenix 9 Pro has a case entirely made of titanium, while the cheaper model combines titanium with fiber-reinforced polymer. The AMOLED on the Pro version reaches 3,000 nits and measures 1.5 inches on the largest size. Both series can handle 10 ATM water resistance and diving up to 40 meters.

The Pro version also offers an optional LTE modem and inReach satellite connectivity, as well as solar charging. The LED flashlight now supports red and green in addition to white. The sensor remains the same – Elevate 5 measures heart rate, oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and can perform ECG. A new software feature is Garmin Epic, which combines multi-day activities into a single entity, including photos and health data.

Prices Start at a Thousand Dollars

The Fenix 9 starts at 24,490 CZK for the 43mm variant, with the 47mm version costing the same, and Garmin charges an extra two and a half thousand for the 51mm. The Fenix 9 Pro starts at 27,490 CZK, the largest model costs 29,490 CZK, and the inReach variant will cost 31,990 CZK. Orders open on August 28.

Would you trade a colorful AMOLED for a display that lasts ten months?

Sources: Notebookcheck, Garmin