This newest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text 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 message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It 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 subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
