The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS 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 location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances 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 functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire 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 requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
