The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting 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 additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
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 exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand 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 trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
