What does Fenix 8 / Tactix 8 Need To Have To Make You Upgrade?

While I don't particularly want LTE, it's undeniable that there is a huge crowd of Fenix users who want it, and it's likely going to get it someday.

The problem is that Garmin has yet to produce a product that really does the things people want their LTE watch to be able to do, and at least according to DCRainmaker that is likely caused by Apple patent and exclusive carrier licensing problems that may continue to be insurmountable for the foreseeable future. So if we do get LTE on the next Fenix model lineup I wouldn't get too excited yet, it's likely to be the same or very similar to what the 945 LTE does, ie., limited to basic activity track and incident detection transmissions and web-based message receiving, with no real phone call or SMS/MMS capability.

I currently have a fenix 6Pro, so to change I'd like USB C connector and a stand alone data plan so that it doesn't need to sync with a mobile.

Sort of a cross-over style with higher def screen.

Depthmeter.

Super efficient solar charge (i guess with cross-over, screen can be off most of the time)

Maybe a makeover of the user interface, suunto does a better job at it, though too simple for the number of data garmin generates.

Does anyone have the 7 Pro? I am wondering if the new sensor array on the back has improved detection over gen1.

Never mind, I found a decent initial review. youtu.be/5-KFL_drbuw

It should and is for someone, but for me I can't see any difference. But I only tried it while running upstairs. HR at start 70bpm, on seventh floor I got 68bpm instead of 165+BPM. For running I still use Polar H10 chest strap. Someone who use WHR only could give you better answer.

The HR sensors in the 7 Pro / Epix pro has been very good for me, but honestly I can't really tell any difference from the sensor in the non-pro models before it, that one worked great for me too. Actually even the Fenix 6 sensor worked great for me haha. Haven't been able to notice any real difference with any of them. 

Probably the newer sensor is better for people whom the previous versions didn't work well for though. People with darker skin, thicker hair, tattoos, etc.

One thing is missing for me: LTE/5G on eSIM so we could choose whatever provider we want.

Mobile communication would be great for emergency messaging and that's all I need. Best if it would stay offline for most of the time to not eat battery. I do not want Fenix to become "ultra", "revolutionary" and "best ever" sports watch that I would have to charge every other day 

Ability to send sos via satellite in remote areas when you don’t have cell reception and higher resolution in the screen like Apple!  

This is easy!  I have the Tactix 7 Pro love it however, as a consumer and formerly enlisted Marine I would by the next version if:

1. They added a remote SOS feature via satellite.  Often times in remote areas there is no cell service making the current feature basically useless. If you have cell service in an emergency situation you would just use your phone assuming the screen wasn’t broke. This upgrade could save lives and for rugged outdoorsmen, First Responders, and Operators this could be instrumental. If the watch can receive GPS information there must be someway to send a ping back to the satellites.

2. Higher resolution on the screen.  Apple is way ahead of the curve here. I imagine higher resolution would affect battery life but if possible that would certainly be key. After all, looking at a watch is what you do so what you see on the face is represented quality from the perspective of the consumer. Garmin resolution is not exactly top end.

Hope that helps.