Garmin has made a significant move in the ultra-premium smartwatch space, permanently reducing the price of its Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED lineup. The 51mm model drops from $1,999 to $1,699, while the 47mm version now sits at $1,199.
A Strategic Price Shift
This isn't a temporary sale — Garmin says the price cut is permanent. That signals something bigger than just clearing inventory. The company appears to be betting big on MicroLED as the future of its flagship line, and wants more athletes to take the plunge.
For context, the MicroLED display technology offers better brightness than standard AMOLED — but it comes with a trade-off: slightly worse battery life. That's been a tough sell at nearly $2,000. By dropping the entry point to $1,199, Garmin narrows the gap between the regular Fenix 8 and the premium MicroLED versions.
Why Now?
The timing is interesting. We're expecting the Fenix 9 later this year, and it seems Garmin wants to move more Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED units before the next generation arrives. This could also be a preemptive strike against Apple's Watch Ultra 3, which dominates the $800–$1,000 range.
Notably, the price cut is currently US-only. Europe and the UK haven't seen the adjustment yet, and standard AMOLED Fenix 8 models haven't changed in price. That suggests Garmin is testing the waters — watching how the US market responds before rolling it out elsewhere.
What This Means for Buyers
If you've been eyeing the MicroLED Fenix 8 Pro, now's a solid time to buy. It's brighter than AMOLED (excellent outdoor visibility), though the trade-off is slightly worse battery life than the AMOLED version. At $1,199 for the 47mm, it's within reach of serious athletes who previously might have settled for the standard AMOLED version.
The price drop also signals confidence that MicroLED is ready for mainstream adoption. Expect to see more MicroLED options in the Fenix 9 lineup later this year.
The US price cut could expand to other markets soon. We'll be watching to see if it reaches the UK and Europe — and whether standard Fenix 8 models get similar treatment.