This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited 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 typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
