This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size 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 display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost 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 messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
