This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas 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 service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text 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 message back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential 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 services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
