This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
