The newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, 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 always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, 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 important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
