This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message 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 communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
