The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large 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 reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
