The latest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
