The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it 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 double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
