The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track 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 model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, 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.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
