The most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating 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 monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant 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 hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
