The newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken 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 most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling 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 service packages 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 – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
