This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions 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 evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual 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 bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated 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 touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
