This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message 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 communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure 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 excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
