This newest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture 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 can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
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 text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
