This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
