The latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
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 send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
