This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
