The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When 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 text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
