The latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, 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 head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
