This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
