This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The 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 takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It 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 recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
