This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily 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 actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in 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 satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This 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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent 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 jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires 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 orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
