The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent 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 typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location 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, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via 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 lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
