The latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message 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 initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register 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 customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited 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 typically serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor 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 functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
