The latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
