This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including 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 simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent 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, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
