The latest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
