The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection 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 less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, position updates and SOS 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, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
