This newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply 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 place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile 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 pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. 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 accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
