The newest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it 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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After 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 comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices 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 check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view 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 crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
