The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. 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 not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. 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 competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
