Katarzyna Petru
Garmin decided to do something no one had dared to attempt before – it introduced micro-LED to the smartwatch. The new Fenix 8 Pro is available in two versions: the classic one with OLED and the more futuristic one with micro-LED. The difference? OLED starts at 1200 dollars and is available in sizes 47 and 51 mm, while micro-LED is only available in 51 mm and costs as much as 2000 dollars.
Micro-LED vs OLED
Micro-LED offers the biggest advantage in terms of brightness – up to 4500 nits, making the Fenix 8 Pro the brightest smartwatch on the market. This is a significant leap compared to OLEDs, which today reach a maximum of 3000 nits. Garmin boasts over 400,000 LEDs that are said to provide incredible readability even in full sunlight, along with rich colours and wide viewing angles.
Price? Brightness? And what about the battery
However, there is no rose without thorns. Higher brightness means a much shorter working time. The OLED version lasts up to 27 days, while the micro-LED lasts a maximum of 10 – which is a third of what Garmin has accustomed users to in its watches.
Satellites and the Future of Micro-LED
Both variants of the Fenix 8 Pro are also the first smartwatches with satellite connectivity, allowing users to send messages and location without a phone. The micro-LED panels are most likely supplied by Taiwanese AU Optronics.
Micro-LED technology has not yet taken off in televisions – seven years after its debut, the technology is still not mature. However, Garmin has outpaced the competition and will test whether smartwatches can be a springboard for broader success.
