This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model 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 standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
