The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 cost 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 messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device 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 needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone 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.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
