The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, 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 slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing 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 subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
