The newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages 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 limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
