The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out 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 comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed 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 enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. 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 needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
