The latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient 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 use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
