This newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings 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 most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications 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 satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. 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 components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
