The latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
