The latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
