This most recent version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result 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 after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
