This newest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate 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 activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight 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 vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. 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 additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
