The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
