Garmin's new Fenix 9 Pro smartwatch is twice as bright as the previous gen - here's how they compare

Garmin/Matthew Miller/ZDNET

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The Garmin Fenix 8 has been one of my favorite sports watches of the past few years, which is why I was excited to hear about the news of the new Garmin Fenix 9 and 9 Pro watches, available on August 28th. 

The Fenix series is built for those who want it all in a sports watch -- and don't mind paying over $1,000 to get there. Given the capabilities of the Fenix line, you can even choose models that let you leave your phone behind, justifying the high price for some users. 

Also: I tested the best sports watches in 2026: Here are the latest and greatest watches, no matter your budget

Garmin's new lineup features the Fenix 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Solar. The Fenix 9 and 9 Pro have bright AMOLED displays, while the Pro Solar has a solar charging glass display with MIP technology for longer battery life and the ability to charge while outside. 

Let's take a closer look at how the Fenix 9 Pro stacks up to the Fenix 8 Pro, now that I have spent two years with it on my wrist. 

Specifications

You should buy the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro if...

Garmin Fenix 9 Pro

Garmin

1. You want the best fit and finish

The Fenix series has always had the most durable and high-end materials in the watch. The Fenix 9 Pro takes things to the next level with a watch case made of titanium -- not just on the bezels. Previous generations were made of a durable polymer material for the watch case, so the new titanium material looks better and is more durable.

Also: The best Garmin watches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Garmin also revealed new ComfortFit fabric bands that have split-weave designs to provide flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance. The ComfortFit bands also use the QuickFit system for easily swapping them out when you want to workout, and then switch bands to go back to work.

2. You want InReach capability on a smaller watch

The Fenix 9 Pro comes in three case sizes with InReach satellite/LTE support for the 43, 47, and 51 mm models. Garmin's InReach subscription provides you with unlimited LTE messaging and calling service with various levels of satellite support. 

A new feature of the Fenix 9 Pro is live tracking support via inReach service so family and friends can track your outdoor adventures even if you don't initiate a specific live tracking event.

Garmin

3. You want the brightest display on a Fenix watch

The new Fenix 9 AMOLED display is capable of reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness -- twice that of the Fenix 8 AMOLED watches. On the 51mm model, the display also measures 1.5 inches and is 15% larger than the Fenix 8 Pro. There is no microLED option available this year in any Fenix 9 model.

Also: Whoop vs. Fitbit Air: I used both to track my health and fitness for a month - this one's better

The big bright display is fantastic for supporting the new map features as well, that provide more layers and new perspectives for optimal navigation right from your watch.

4. You want to carry all of your maps and music

Garmin doubled the onboard storage of the Fenix 9 Pro with as much as 64GB available for storing maps and music. Garmin supports all sorts of maps, including ski resort maps and golf courses, so if you plan to participate in a lot of activities that use maps, you may want to get the Fenix 9 Pro.

You should buy the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro if...

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

1. You want to save $250

There's no way around it: the Fenix series are expensive watches. If you're looking for a model with InReach satellite support and long battery life, buying the Fenix 8 Pro is a solid consideration. You can use that $250 savings to buy more bands, purchase the InReach service, or consider the Garmin Cirqa as a smaller Garmin device to track your sleep.

The Fenix 8 Pro remains a compelling flagship smartwatch and has never let me down over the past two years, but the cost difference is the only reason to purchase the Fenix 8 Pro at this point. Some of the software improvements, like the Garmin Epic feature may come to the Fenix 8 Pro in the future too, so if you already own a Fenix 8 Pro then you likely won't consider an upgrade at the premium price point.

Also: This Garmin beat my Apple Watch Ultra in almost every way (and it's just as rugged)

The Fenix 9 starts at $999 for the 43mm, and is available in 47mm and 51mm band sizes. The Fenix 9 Pro comes in the same three band sizes, starting at $1,099. The Fenix 9 Pro Solar is only available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, and also starts at $1,099. All the new devices will be available to order on August 28th, 2026.