Garmin's New High-End Smartwatch: Unboxing and Review (2026)

Get ready to upgrade your wrist game – Garmin just dropped a game-changing smartwatch that’s turning heads in the tech world. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just any smartwatch; it’s a high-end powerhouse combining satellite and cellular connectivity, a stunning AMOLED display, and features you won’t find on most of Garmin’s other devices. And this is the part most people miss – it’s already available to order, so you don’t have to wait to get your hands on it.

Garmin isn’t stopping there. Alongside this new release, they’ve rolled out a fresh update for their existing high-end smartwatches, including the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro (currently priced at $1,299 on Amazon). But here’s the twist: while the Fenix series continues to dominate, Garmin has also given the Quatix 8 the 'Pro' treatment, introducing the Quatix 8 Pro in both 47 mm and 51 mm sizes. This move is bold, especially since the Quatix 8 Pro skips the pricey microLED display technology found in some competitors, opting instead for AMOLED screens across the board.

Now, let’s dive into the details. The Quatix 8 Pro, though inspired by the Fenix 8 Pro, takes a different path. It features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a 454 x 454-pixel resolution, regardless of whether you choose the 47 mm or 51 mm variant. Here’s where opinions might differ: Garmin offers the watch with or without the Voice Control Bundle, which adds compatibility with chartplotter hardware. Is this an essential add-on, or just a nice-to-have? Let’s discuss in the comments.

What truly sets the Quatix 8 Pro apart is its satellite and cellular connectivity, paired with an impressive 16-day battery life and a built-in LED flashlight. For marine enthusiasts, Garmin has packed in specialized features like a regatta timer, tack assist, and support for the Fusion audio system via the Fusion-Link app. And this is the part most people miss: these marine-focused tools make it a standout choice for sailors and boaters, not just fitness enthusiasts.

Pricing starts at $1,299.99, climbing to $1,359.98 if you opt for the Voice Control Bundle. For more details, check out Garmin’s website. But before you go, here’s a thought-provoking question: With its blend of cutting-edge tech and niche features, is the Quatix 8 Pro the ultimate smartwatch for adventurers, or is it overkill for the average user? Share your thoughts below!

Written by Alex Alderson, Senior Tech Writer at Notebookcheck. With over 14,000 articles published since 2018, Alex brings a wealth of experience from companies like Apple and Neowin. Holding a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, now converted to a Law Degree, Alex is always up for a chat on Twitter or Notebookchat. Updated: 2026-01-13.

Garmin's New High-End Smartwatch: Unboxing and Review (2026)
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