This newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track 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 reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited 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 outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible 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 transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. 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 needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
