Garmin Fenix Series Through the Ages

The first version of Garmin Fenix was launched back in 2012. Since then, the series has undergone significant development, and today Garmin's Fenix series is widely regarded as the market's best multisport GPS watches. Here you get an overview of the different generations in the Garmin Fenix series and the most notable upgrades and improvements from year to year.

Garmin Fenix is Garmin's top model, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, ultra-runners, data nerds, and serious athletes. The Fenix series is also known for its many advanced features and extremely durable build quality, making the watches perfect for all types of activities and sports.

- There has therefore been great excitement and high expectations leading up to the launches of the new generations each year.

Here you can see our entire range of Garmin watches .

Garmin Fenix - Timeline

Garmin Fenix 9 & 9 Pro Series - Launched in 2026

This is actually a three-in-one launch: Fenix 9 base models, Fenix 9 Pro models, and a dedicated Fenix 9 Pro inReach version.

Common to all is new and improved data storage, with the most significant improvement in the Pro models, as well as doubled memory. Additionally, the software handling maps has been dedicated and improved, which is noticeably faster compared to the already quick Fenix 8 Pro's map handling.

The LED flashlight now also shines green, and the series introduces new software features Garmin Epic, where you can combine activities into a joint training course, new stamina metrics, and dynamic weight adjustment during activities with a load.

Read more about the Garmin Fenix 9 here .

Garmin Fenix 9 & 9 Pro Series

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Series - Launched in 2025

Where the Pro upgrade had previously meant relatively small improvements from the base model, the upgrade in the eighth generation was different.

Here, the focus was on independent communication and entirely new MicroLED screen technology as an option.

Garmin introduced for the first time InReach satellite technology in a watch. Fenix 8 Pro can receive and send messages without a phone connection, and you can also share location or activate SOS emergency calls if you have a subscription with Garmin.

Fenix 8 Pro is available in sizes 47 mm and 51 mm

Garmin Fenix 8 Series - Launched in 2024

Garmin Fenix 8 marked a major shift in the series' focus: AMOLED screen became an option against the classic power-saving MIP solar screen. Diving function, speaker, and microphone are also mentioned as updates.

Precise GPS navigation and Advanced map features: Equipped with multi-continent topographic maps, providing accurate position tracking and route changes on the go.

Robust design with lighter construction: The watch is made with premium materials, including stainless steel and sapphire glass, ensuring maximum durability without compromising weight.

Built-in microphone and speaker: For the first time, you can answer calls and use the voice assistant directly from your watch, making Fenix 8 even more functional during training and adventures.

Long battery life: Whether you're training, hiking, or exploring new territories, you can rely on Fenix 8's battery life to keep up with your needs.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Series - Launched in 2023

The Pro upgrade in the seventh generation introduced the new Elevate Gen 5 heart rate monitor and was the first watch to have an LED flashlight in all three sizes.

Garmin Fenix 7 Series - Launched in 2022

Garmin Fenix 7 represents a significant step forward in the Fenix series' development, where innovation and precision merge in a robust and versatile multisport watch. With Fenix 7, Garmin has managed to improve both hardware and software to meet the needs of everyone from professional athletes to adventurers, while delivering top performance under all conditions.

Fenix 7 Standard Edition is the base model in the series, offering all the essential features expected of an advanced multisport watch. It includes:

Precise GPS navigation and mapping
Robust design with stainless steel and Corning Gorilla Glass
Advanced training and health features
Battery life that can handle long training sessions

Fenix 7 Solar builds on the Standard Edition with the addition of solar charging technology, which extends battery life using sunlight. This feature makes the Solar model ideal for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who need extra battery time during long stays in nature.

Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar combines solar charging technology with a sapphire glass display, providing extra scratch protection and durability. This model is perfect for those who want both long battery life and an extra robust watch that can withstand even the most demanding conditions.

Fenix 7X is the largest model in the series and is designed for those who want a larger screen and even longer battery life. Fenix 7X models include all the features of the smaller models but also offer extras like a built-in LED flashlight, which is extremely practical during nighttime adventures.

Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is the ultimate model in the Fenix 7 series, combining all the best features: a large screen, long battery life with solar charging, sapphire glass for extra durability, and the built-in LED flashlight. This model is created for the most demanding users who need a watch that can handle everything.

Read our test of the Fenix 7 series here .

Garmin Fenix 6 Series - Launched in 2019:

In late summer 2019, the Garmin Fenix 6 series was launched. With the new generation of watches, a long series of changes and improvements followed. Fenix 6 and Fenix 6X have received a larger display, and the screen resolution has also been improved.

All watches in the Garmin Fenix 6 series have received significantly better battery life and doubled the built-in memory compared to the Fenix 5 Plus series. There is now room for much more music and more maps for the GPS. In general, many of the training functions have been upgraded, with the introduction of a new wrist heart rate monitor, dynamic pace guidance, and an updated map function.

As a bonus, all watches in the Garmin Fenix 6 series are ultra-durable and wear-resistant, as they are tested to military standards.

In 2020, Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar was released with its revolutionary screen technology, allowing battery life to be extended via solar energy.

Read our review from 2019 here and a test of the Solar function here .

Garmin Fenix 6 Series

Garmin Fenix 5 PLUS Series - Launched in2018

In 2018, the long-awaited Garmin Fenix 5 PLUS series was launched. With the release of the new generation of watches, a host of new features followed. Some of the major upgrades came in the form of Garmin Pay and Garmin Music. Garmin Pay enabled the watch to be used as a payment method at contactless payment terminals. Garmin Music allowed music storage directly on the watch via Spotify, Deezer, and MP3. This meant you could now leave your smartphone behind on runs or during workouts.

Additionally, all watches in the Fenix 5 Plus series came with pre-installed topographic maps of Europe.

Read our review from 2018.

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series

Garmin Fenix 5 series - launched in 2017

As the observant reader might have noticed, there is no Fenix 4. In 2017, Garmin deliberately chose to name the new series of Fenix models Garmin Fenix 5. This is because "fenix 4" in Chinese sounds almost identical to the word "death," which according to Chinese culture brings bad luck – but enough about that.

The most notable change from Fenix 3 is that the Fenix 5 now came in three variants - 5S (42mm), 5 (47mm), and 5X (51mm), with different physical sizes. The 5X version also had a complete built-in Topographic map, allowing the watch to be used as a traditional GPS with true turn-by-turn navigation.

Garmin Fenix 5 series

Garmin Fenix Chronos - launched in 2nd half of 2016

In the 2nd half of 2016, Garmin launched another generation of Fenix watches when Garmin Fenix Chronos saw the light of day. Functionally, there were no major changes compared to previous generations, but design-wise, there were huge transformations. The Chronos series watches were meant to target a new niche audience. With the Chronos watches, we saw for the first time a training watch that is also a luxury watch, suitable for finer occasions. The unique, stylish, and luxurious design also means that the price is on the higher end.

Garmin Fenix Chronos series

Garmin Fenix 3 HR - launched in 1st half of 2016

2016 was a year with two launches in the Fenix series, with Garmin Fenix 3 HR being the first at the start of 2016. The biggest difference from its predecessor was that Garmin Fenix 3 HR was upgraded with Garmin Elevate heart rate technology – hence the name HR (heart rate). The watch measures the pulse directly on the wrist, allowing pulse data to be recorded without wearing a chest strap. Additionally, it was also possible to monitor daily activities with continuous heart rate tracking.

Garmin Fenix 3 HR

Garmin Fenix 3 - launched in 2015

At the start of 2015, Garmin launched the long-awaited Fenix 3. Fenix 3 was launched as a completely new watch, with a new design and a wealth of new features. One of the main upgrades was the new color screen at 1.2” and an integrated EXO antenna in the watch's bezel, ensuring faster and more accurate GPS and GLONASS satellite connection.

Additionally, the watch went from being waterproof down to 50 meters in Fenix 2 to being waterproof down to 100 meters in Fenix 3. With a battery life of up to 20 hours in regular GPS mode and up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode, Fenix 3 was an outdoor GPS watch for adventurers needing battery life for several days.

Garmin Fenix 2 - launched in 2014

Garmin Fenix 2 was launched almost 2 years after Fenix (1st generation), and had not undergone any major design changes. Fenix 2 became the first Fenix watch for multisport (triathlon), now featuring swimming in pools and open water, skiing, and the ability for wireless transfer to Garmin Connect via Bluetooth.

Garmin Fenix 2 also received some new advanced training features like recovery advisor, SmartTrack, and Smart Notifications.

Garmin Fenix 2

Garmin Fenix - launched in 2012

Garmin Fenix was the first outdoor and adventure watch designed with robust build quality.

With the launch of Fenix, it was the first watch with a battery life of up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode, which was a milestone for GPS watches back in 2012.