The newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out 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 cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this 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 cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
