This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
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 activates 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 orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available 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 offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
