The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate 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 crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still 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 satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
