The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, 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 arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays 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 lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
