The newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
