This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately 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 device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
