The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine 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. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, 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, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost 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 works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
