The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start 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 rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
