This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary 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 Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan 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 device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
