This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
