This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite 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 serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a 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 is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.