This latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
