The newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, 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, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth 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 sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited 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 certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
