The latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.