The newest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door 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, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving 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 kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
