The newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
