This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives 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 application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
