This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message 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 back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
