This newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version 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 standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry 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 updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.