This latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
