This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The 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 takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
