The newest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
This 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features 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 transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows 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 service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
