This latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period 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 connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends 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 back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
