The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight 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 crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
