This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up 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 excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 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 communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
