The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £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.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without 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 make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, 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 worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
