The newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
