Garmin has introduced the fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro in Singapore, updating its multisport GPS smartwatch range. The new models arrive with brighter AMOLED displays, improved mapping, and expanded endurance tracking. Users also gain a new way to combine activities within Garmin Connect.
The fēnix 9 starts at S$1,349 and will be available from 17 September. The fēnix 9 Pro starts at S$1,489 and will arrive later, with select versions adding satellite and LTE connectivity through Garmin’s inReach service.
fēnix 9 improves navigation and training data
Garmin is offering the fēnix 9 in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes. Its AMOLED display is twice as bright as the one on its predecessor, according to the company, while the watch also includes a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, leakproof buttons and a design rated for diving to depths of 40 metres.
Navigation has been upgraded through a revised map engine and 50% more RAM than the fēnix 8, which Garmin claims makes map panning up to 30% faster. In addition, a new perspective view shows more detail across nearby and distant parts of a route. This visual perspective helps users see more of the terrain ahead.
Storage capacity has increased to 64GB on the new watch. According to Garmin, this expanded space can accommodate twice as many downloaded maps as the fēnix 8 and holds up to 7,000 songs.
The training updates centre on new stamina zones and a stamina curve, which show how endurance changes over time based on fitness gains and training history. These metrics are designed to help athletes manage their pacing during an activity. Indoor rowing also gains VO2 Max and power curve measurements when used with a rowing machine equipped with a power meter. For outdoor conditioning, rucking support has been expanded so users can change their recorded pack weight during an activity, follow GORUCK workouts on the watch, and set target metrics with pack weights of up to 100kg.
Garmin Epic groups activities recorded over days, weeks or months into a single story within Garmin Connect. Users can add health and performance data and photos before sharing the resulting Epic with friends and family.
“fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro are purpose-built for those who want to perform better and venture farther. Athletes can better understand endurance gains and train smarter with advanced stamina metrics, while superior navigation tools help adventurers stay confidently on course. And with the new Garmin Epic feature, activities are turned into stories for users to relive. With these fēnix smartwatches on their wrist, our customers can redefine what they thought possible,” said Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager at Garmin Asia.
fēnix 9 Pro adds titanium and inReach connectivity
The fēnix 9 Pro includes the main features of the fēnix 9 while introducing different display options, solar charging on selected models, additional connectivity, and what Garmin describes as the first titanium watch case on a fēnix smartwatch. Its AMOLED displays reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and the 51mm version introduces a 1.5-inch AMOLED display that Garmin says provides 15% more display area than the fēnix 8 without increasing the case size. Selected Pro models are available with solar-charging displays, while the built-in LED flashlight gains a green-light mode intended to preserve night vision.
Battery life depends on the chosen model and display format. Garmin rates the largest fēnix 9 for up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, which rises to up to 31 days for the largest fēnix 9 Pro AMOLED model, while solar versions are rated for up to 57 days based on all-day wear with three hours per day outdoors in 50,000 lux conditions.
Selected fēnix 9 Pro models add inReach connectivity over satellite and LTE across the 43mm, 47mm and 51mm sizes. With an active inReach plan, the watch supports calling, messaging and SOS communication without a phone. LiveTrack notifications can be sent through the Garmin Messenger app over LTE, allowing selected contacts to follow an activity. Garmin Locate can also share the wearer’s location through the app, while weather forecasts can be delivered to the watch over satellite or LTE.
Garmin notes that LTE coverage is unavailable in some regions. In addition, satellite connections and SOS functionality are subject to conditions that can affect service availability.
The fēnix 9 will be sold from 17 September through Garmin Brand Stores, the Garmin Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, Takashimaya and selected authorised retailers. The fēnix 9 Pro will be available at a later date.
