The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected 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 communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages 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 service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of 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 running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
