This newest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, 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 generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
