The latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
