Garmin Fenix 8 Pro In Depth Review

Garmin Fenix 8 Professional – 47mm AMOLED ($1,199.99)

Sapphire, Titanium with Graphite/Black Silicone Band

Introduction/What’s New:  The Garmin Fenix 8 Professional builds upon the Fenix 8, sharing the entire identical nice options and accuracy, including satellite tv for pc and LTE messaging performance. Additionally notable is a rise in display brightness, a louder speaker and a case that’s 2.2mm thicker to accommodate for the satellite tv for pc performance.  

Whereas the Fenix 8 is available in 3 sizes, 43, 47 and 51mm, the Fenix 8 Professional shall be accessible in 47 or 51mm.  

All fashions are titanium with no stainless-steel variations.  With that comes a bump in value, with the 47mm beginning at $1,199 and the 51mm at $1,299.  If that isn’t sufficient, there’s a Micro LED model that solely is available in 51mm that places out an astonishing 4,500 nits of display brightness, greater than double the brightness of the common model.  I can’t think about the necessity for this (nor the justification for the diminished battery life), because the bump as much as 2,000 nits within the common model is IMPRESSIVELY vibrant.  Oh, the MicroLED model will set you again a cool $1,999.  

Additionally it is price noting right here that the MIP display model has been discontinued from the Fenix line, however in case you are in search of most battery life, you may go for the Enduro 3 that also has a MIP display and a lot of the options/performance of the Fenix (though Sat/LTE isn’t but supplied).

For this assessment, I’ve reiterated some data and findings from the Fenix 8 the place applicable under (you’ll find my Fenix 8 full assessment right here) and I’ll primarily give attention to the Satellite tv for pc and LTE messaging updates, in addition to anything that has modified.

Professionals: 

accuracy (Pps/Altimeter/OHR), 

vivid AMOLED display now as much as 2,000 nits, massive 1.4” display, 

speaker/voice options and now louder speaker

improved interface, 

maps/navigational options, 

sturdy coaching/well being monitoring options, 

quick charging, unmatched elegant rugged type, 

configurability and deep vary of options, 

now with LTE and two approach Satellite tv for pc messaging and emergency SOS,

 improved button responsiveness over the 8, battery life

Cons: Worth, 

satellite tv for pc and LTE connectivity might be tough to attach, decreases in battery life (particularly if frequently utilizing satellite tv for pc messaging), 

added expense of connectivity plans, 

can not join each inReach and eight Professional on identical account, 

thicker watch physique, discontinuation of small 43mm model, 

a MIP model now longer accessible

LTE and Satellite tv for pc Two Method Communication:  

In fact these are the massive upgrades to the Fenix line, with the 8 Professional having the ability to work independently of a cellphone or inReach machine to make or obtain cellphone calls (simply LTE, not Satellite tv for pc) and ship messages or SOS name (LTE and satellite tv for pc).  

First issues first, with the intention to make the most of LTE or Satellite tv for pc messaging on the Fenix 8 Professional, you’ll first want to enroll in an inReach plan, selecting one of many 4 choices under starting from $7.99/month to $49.99/month.  Or, if you have already got an current inReach plan, you have to to disconnect your inReach to activate your Fenix 8 Professional (or buy one other plan, as you may solely join one machine per plan as issues stand now).  When you get the plan in place, you merely comply with a couple of prompts on the watch and Garmin Join app to attach.  Whereas I’ve heard others point out that the method is tough, I discovered it pretty straight ahead and received related straight away.

As soon as you’re related, you may then toggle Satellite tv for pc and LTE, LTE solely, Satellite tv for pc solely, flip it off utterly or choose auto for LTE the place it is going to defer to whichever is most applicable on the time.  

With LTE, you may message straight from the watch by deciding on from any of the pre-loaded replies, or you may create your individual to avoid wasting for fast reference, or kind your individual utilizing the contact display pad.  

From Garmin’s description, the Fenix 8 Professional leverages LTE-M networks from a number of roaming suppliers worldwide, which implies that community availability and efficiency aren’t managed by Garmin. Options that depend on mobile connectivity, in addition to battery life, might range relying on protection and sign high quality.

When sending messages, the recipient doesn’t must be on Messenger and they’ll obtain the message as an everyday textual content, although from a random Garmin quantity and never your main cellphone quantity that they might acknowledge (there may be not an assigned Garmin quantity, so it may possibly get complicated).  

If you wish to ship voice messages or make a name, then they may then have to even have the Messenger app on their cellphone.  Whereas this course of works OK, I feel it could be nice to only have every little thing work in sync along with your main cellphone quantity and never depend on the Messenger app.  When on LTE, messages appear to transmit shortly backwards and forwards, in a matter of seconds.

With LTE turned on and if you end up inside cell vary, you may make calls, obtain calls and ship voice messages by way of the watch with out your cellphone, however it is very important be aware right here that the individual you’re  speaking with will even have to have the Messenger app on their cellphone.

When attempting to message and you’re out of LTE vary, you may set the Fenix 8 Professional to default to Satellite tv for pc messaging.  You will need to be aware right here that the Fenix 8 Professional is NOT something like an inReach, which runs off of the rather more sturdy Iridium satellite tv for pc constellation that covers your complete planet and the inReach has a big antenna for a lot better reception.

The Fenix 8 Professional then again depends upon a satellite tv for pc constellation that circles across the equator known as Skylo, so the nearer you’re to the equator, the higher reception you should have and shall be harder the additional away you get.  I dwell at 40 levels N. latitude and I’ve been seeing very combined ends in my testing.

From Garmin: “The fēnix 8 Professional makes use of the Skylo satellite tv for pc community. Skylo geostationary satellites seem decrease on the horizon as you progress additional north. As you progress additional north and the satellite tv for pc will get decrease within the sky, timber and different obstructions might block the sign. It could be doable to attach when you’ve got a transparent view within the course of the satellite tv for pc (typically to the south and west) reminiscent of in a big area, on the open water or on a mountain high. 

Skylo satellites can attain as much as 50 miles offshore for any nation listed as having satellite tv for pc protection.”

First it is advisable to carry out a calibration by rotating your wrist in a determine 8 movement

Then you definately watch for just some seconds

As soon as calibration is full, it is advisable to angle the watch in direction of the satellites as instructed

This alignment step is fairly quick (seconds)

As soon as aligned, you’ll then need to tilt your wrist at a really particular angle and orientation relying in your positioning in relation to the satellites (I discover it simpler to take the watch off for this step).

Then you definately play the sport of lining up the shifting dot into the middle of the display and maintaining it there (which might be very tough in case you are attempting to do that on the transfer).

If this feels like loads of work, that’s as a result of it’s!  These steps right here actually take some endurance, because it takes me a number of minutes underneath the most effective of circumstances (out within the vast open and standing completely nonetheless with full give attention to the watch) to get a connection.  If I’m within the timber, in a canyon (not a slot canyon or slender canyon, however only a typical mountain canyon or ravine) or on the north aspect of a mountain, hill or obstruction that will intervene with view to the South, then I most frequently can not get a lock on the satellites.

Any time I really get related to satellite tv for pc messaging and attempt to ship messages whereas on the transfer, I’ve famous that if I keep related, it drastically impacts battery life (for instance, I left it related for many of a 5 hour hike as soon as and I went by way of 87% of my battery.  I’ve additionally famous comparable drain charges from simply the efforts of attempting to attach and ship a couple of messages).  When related to satellite tv for pc messaging, gps monitoring can be compromised, not monitoring your route any longer or mileage or elevation (examples under)

As soon as related although, you may ship messages (fundamental texting), share your location or ship an emergency SOS (by way of Garmin response).  

Constructed-In Speaker and Microphone:  

The Fenix 8 Professional, just like the 8 has a in-built speaker and microphone the place you need to use the voice command characteristic ( lengthy urgent the higher proper button or navigating to the choices underneath the exercise menu) to activate features on the watch like beginning an exercise, a timer, stopwatch, present the climate, disable don’t disturb, play music, save my location, and so forth…  

This characteristic might be helpful to shortly begin a course of that may take some searching round and a number of other steps to activate.  Then there are different processes, like beginning an exercise for instance, that I can do faster by utilizing the buttons. 

Whereas Garmin says that voice command doesn’t require precise phrases, I’ve discovered that there’s not loads of leeway for those who can not guess the command precisely correctly mentioned.  Garmin offers an inventory of generally used voice instructions within the proprietor’s guide, however utilizing it successfully undoubtedly takes some memorization, trial and error.  You too can use the cellphone assistant to ask Siri or different comparable voice assistants questions by way of the watch microphone.

You’ll be able to play music if you want over the watch speaker when you’ve got a streaming service, reminiscent of Spotify synced along with your watch, or play music/podcasts loaded on to the watch.  I’ve not tried this, but when the sound high quality for a cellphone name is any indication, then it doesn’t appear to make a lot sense to do that (except actually in a pinch).  I might simply sync up headphones with both the watch (or extra simply, simply my cellphone as I all the time do).

I’ve discovered taking a name on the watch to be fairly helpful, for these instances the place I get a name and my cellphone is down within the workplace, stuffed in my pack or someplace close by, however am unsure I can get to it in time, I simply press a button on the watch to simply accept and might discuss on speaker.  The amount and sound high quality has improved over the 8 and is now louder and crisper, however can nonetheless be powerful to listen to in a crowded space or whether it is actually windy.

You’ll be able to settle for a name straight from the watch, mute the mic, toggle the speaker on/off, transition between the watch and cellphone or dial from the watch by both utilizing the contact key pad, or deciding on out of your contact checklist (your Garmin contact checklist).  

New for the Fenix 8 Professional in fact is the inclusion of LTE performance and the flexibility to go away the cellphone behind for cellphone free calls, though this requires a further Garmin satellite tv for pc messenger/LTE subscription).

GPS Accuracy:  

There’s nothing new to report right here, because the Fenix 8 Professional has the very same sensor because the Fenix 8 and former Epix Professional Gen 2/Gen 2 Professional.  As with the Fenix 8/Epix, accuracy is amazingly good, using GPS, Glonass, Galileo with Multi-Frequency Place and SatIQ Know-how. 

Having worn the Fenix 8 Professional and the Fenix 8 aspect by aspect on nearly each run for the previous few months, I can report with confidence that accuracy is nearly as good because it will get for a GPS watch. 

I primarily use the ‘all programs + multi band’ mode for optimum accuracy, particularly after I know I shall be in dense timber, canyons and amongst massive rock formations, but additionally typically use SatIQ, an auto choose mode, which robotically selects the GPS energy wanted relying on terrain. 

I’ve additionally examined ‘all programs’ and ‘GPS solely’, that are additionally very correct and simply ample for biking or when your actions are within the vast open with none difficult reception situations or to increase battery life (although I usually depend on the Garmin Edge 1050 for biking). 

Whereas GPS solely isn’t as reliably correct as ‘all bands + multi bands’, that distinction solely presents itself (and minimally at that) when topography is a problem, however continues to be fairly good. If I had been doing a really lengthy occasion, or simply wished to exploit as a lot battery life as doable on a visit, I don’t hesitate to pick out GPS solely. 

When sporting each watches aspect by aspect, they alert every mile both in unison (identical with the Edge 1050), or inside just some seconds of each other.  By the tip of an exercise, distances present as the identical or inside just some hundredths of a mile distinction.  

When evaluating my monitor over satellite tv for pc imagery, the Fenix 8 Professional and the Fenix 8 line up very intently, if not on high of my precise steps taken for probably the most half, with solely the occasional and really minor drift to the aspect as I’ve seen on all GPS watches. 

Optical HR Accuracy:  

Once more, there aren’t any modifications right here.  The Fenix 8 Professional options the identical Garmin Elevate V5 optical coronary heart charge sensor as used within the Fenix 8.  I’ve examined the 8 Professional extensively aspect by aspect with the 8 and discover accuracy to be very comparable between the 2, as they’re principally in settlement all through, however with the occasional hiccup.  Ultimately although, on nearly each run, the common coronary heart charge for the length is identical.  

I’ve additionally in contrast in opposition to a chest strap and the outcomes are the identical, comparably correct inside a couple of bpm (normally inside a beat or two), although often they could differ by 3-5 beats.  General on the finish of a run, the general common distinction between the Fenix 8 Professional and the chest strap synced with the Fenix 8 can be inside a beat or two. The accuracy of Garmin optical HR sensing has fairly dramatically improved lately and even for these heavier watches.

AMOLED Display:

As I reported on for the Fenix 8 (RTR Assessment), the Fenix 8 Professional display is even brighter (above left) now at 2,000 nits, crisp and clear, a lot simpler to learn than transflective shows nearly the entire time and is actually equally seen in vibrant, direct solar. 

In direct daylight, I’ve no bother by any means studying the information screens, because the newer, brighter 2,000 nits show is a lot sufficient to make any of the screens, even the detailed mapping display very legible and simple to learn.

Display decision is as follows: 47mm 454×454 / 51mm 454×454.  

The AMOLED display is a large benefit in all gentle situations,be it sporting round the home or exterior in any situations.

The info fields are particularly crisp and simple to learn, with massive numbers and crisp decision

Measurement/Match/Consolation:

The spotlight for the Fenix 8 Professional (just like the 8), concerning dimension/match/consolation is the expanded display dimension on the midsize 47mm mannequin, the place Garmin has trimmed the bezel and was in a position to consolidate the display, becoming extra display into the identical dimension watch.  Sadly although, for these with smaller wrists, Garmin has eradicated the smaller 43mm choice.

I had lengthy hoped that Garmin would finally trim the chunky bezel and be extra environment friendly with the display area and was so happy that they had been in a position to obtain that with the Fenix 8 and nonetheless with the 8 Professional.  

For me, the 47mm is the perfect mix of display dimension and battery life, as it’s a fairly sized watch general and now with the 1.4” show it has the identical display dimension as the biggest 51 mm model.  Whereas a powerful case might be made for the added battery lifetime of the 51mm, for my use, I discover this to be a good commerce to have the smaller dimension of the 47mm that doesn’t really feel as cumbersome on my small wrist.  

The 47mm 8 Professional weighs in at 77 grams with the silicone band (any choice now for the 8 Professional is just Ti and there’s no longer a metal model).  

The physique nonetheless is simply 56 grams, so with a nylon band, the full weight is a way more cheap 63 grams.  

For me, this makes an enormous distinction in general lighter really feel and improved consolation.  The 8 Professional nonetheless is thicker to make room for the satellite tv for pc monitoring components and is notably thicker at 16mm vs. 13.8 for the Fenix 8.  It isn’t a lot of an element throughout hotter months when I’m sporting quick sleeves, however is extra noticeable when the temperature cools and I’m sporting sleeves and jackets, because it appears to get hung up extra.

Fenix 8 Professional left, Fenix 8 on the suitable, you may simply see the two.8mm (16mm vs.13.8mm) distinction in thickness.

Battery Life:  Battery life is considerably diminished on the 8 Professional general as indicated within the specs under and I discover the estimates for the Fenix 8 Professional and Fenix 8 to be correct.  

For my common everyday use and evaluating aspect by aspect, I discover each watches to really be very shut, if not similar in battery drain with all settings the identical.  

It is just after I connect with satellite tv for pc messaging that I see probably the most vital distinction, with the method of connecting to satellites and sending messages to be very battery intensive.

Fenix 8 Professional Battery Specs

Fenix 8 Battery Specs

Maps/Enhanced Maps:  Just like the Fenix 8, the Fenix 8 Professional comes with free entry to TopoActive Maps that may be downloaded by nation (North America, Europe, South America, and so forth…), Golf Maps, and Ski maps. You too can buy the Outside Maps+ annual plan for enhanced maps with a great deal of further map content material that’s continuously up to date ($99.99). These maps add further element and perspective to the already exceptionally detailed complete mapping package deal already included on the Fenix 8 and eight Professional sequence, plus satellite tv for pc imagery.  

Outside Maps+ does take a while and endurance to arrange, because the layers are fairly knowledge intensive and take some forethought and planning to obtain the areas you want.  Outside Maps+ will also be built-in with different Garmin GPS units past the Fenix sequence watches (however sadly, not the Garmin Edge sequence biking computer systems).

Navigation options are the very same, with a fast entry menu, fast entry contact unlock characteristic (to make use of contact for map pan/zoom throughout exercise).  With the Fenix 8 and now the 8 Professional, I discover this to be extremely helpful.

Conclusions/Suggestions:

This half right here is hard and I’ve struggled with how one can finest write this part.  After I first discovered of the Fenix 8 Professional, I used to be underneath the impression that it was primarily an inReach in your wrist, which led to very excessive expectations.  I’ll first say that throughout the board, the Fenix 8 Professional is the most effective GPS sports activities watch on the market, although it’s laborious to justify the added expense over the Fenix 8, in addition to the extra price for the plan to make the most of the LTE and Satellite tv for pc messaging performance.

Due to the truth that it’s tough to hook up with satellites for messaging, sending a location or an SOS, in addition to not having the ability (or at the least not suggested) to maintain it related for monitoring and fast messaging in an emergency, I discover its utility to be fairly restricted.  I very a lot choose the inReach Mini 2 for the peace of thoughts of it all the time being related (simply related with out bother), anyplace I am going.  Having the ability to share monitoring with my spouse/daughters/pals, who can watch my progress is essential and if I received harm, I might simply ship messages with out having to undergo the entire time consuming (and never assured) steps to attach the Fenix 8 Professional.  

With the inReach, I can shortly ship a message, share my location, set off an SOS message, or, worst case, if I had been incapacitated, then these taking care of me would see that I had not moved in a very long time and will ship assistance on my behalf to my precise location.  Add to that battery life that lasts days and weighing solely 100 grams, the inReach Mini 2 is a a lot simpler, safer and extra dependable selection.

So, who’s the Fenix 8 Professional for?  I feel it finest caters to these not wanting to hold a cellphone and spend nearly all of time within the entrance nation, because the LTE performance is nice, permitting one to share dwell monitoring and be capable to message and even make calls straight from the watch.  

The Satellite tv for pc messaging might presumably be helpful for those who dip in/out of cell vary and also you need to have the ability to ship non-emergency messages (or an emergency message if want be), however, I might not advocate leaning on the Fenix 8 Professional solely for emergencies. If you’re a frequent and dedicated backcountry traveler who desires to make certain to have the ability to cowl your self in an emergency, have the peace of thoughts of nice reception, all the time being related, having the ability to be tracked and days lengthy battery life devoted to this one goal, then I might extremely advocate getting an inReach Mini 2 together with a Fenix 8/Epix 2/Enduro, or different Garmin watch that most accurately fits your wants).  

Whereas I’ve struggled a bit with the benefit and utility (or lack thereof) because it pertains to the satellite tv for pc messaging performance, I feel that it is a large step ahead for Garmin and GPS watch expertise and I very a lot sit up for future refinements and enhancements to this expertise.