This latest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp 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 devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite 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 service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish 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.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
