The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
