This latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin 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 orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable 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, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
