The latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out 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 keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. 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 live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning 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 orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable 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 weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
