This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That 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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered 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. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The 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 fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, 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 orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
