This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
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 streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure 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.
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 recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, 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 orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
