This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start 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 utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want 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 does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires 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 communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
