The newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, 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 screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random 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 voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
