The newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, 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, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
