The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as 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 screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
