The most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running 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 comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
