This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide 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 exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish 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 URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice 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.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
