The most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
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 activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
