The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to 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.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent 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 packages cost 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 adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
