This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, 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, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
