This newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin 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 incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
