This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This 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 screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate 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, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough 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 has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
