This most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want 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 needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
