The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
