The latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
