The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
