This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves 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 actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional 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 regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
