This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey 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 screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, 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 can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
