The most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message 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 app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
