The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
