The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone 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 voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight 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 lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside 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 service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
