This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
