The newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link 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 companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring 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 worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in 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 communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 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: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
