The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service 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 materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want 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 requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
