The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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 safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor 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 anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
