The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.