The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
