The newest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey 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 screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone 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: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
