The latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size 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 display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital 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 products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight 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 essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
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 begin 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, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
