The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only 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 set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works 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 running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
