The latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate 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 crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
