The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. 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 recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
