The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have 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
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable 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 dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
