This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere 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 climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note 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.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support 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 components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
