The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost 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 version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong 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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
