This latest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want 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 quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works 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 jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
