The newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch 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 reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
