This newest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect 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 relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
