This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up 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 customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, 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 feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, 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 rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available 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 guide displays you how to find 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
