This most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever 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 application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
