This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
