This latest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely 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 – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
