The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone 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: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
