The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices 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 SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
