The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching 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.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service 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 regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
