The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing 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 simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
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 real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
