This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
