The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite 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.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring 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 emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted 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 services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular 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 plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic 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 signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
