The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting 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 watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £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 jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate 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 crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
