The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
