This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
