The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey 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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
