The most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new 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 packages 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 incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
