The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.