The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location 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 version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just 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 time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
