The latest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
