This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient 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 functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor 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 remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
