The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible 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 send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
