The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely 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 display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including 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.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough 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 personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of 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 check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish 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 needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works 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 jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
