This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, 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 respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available 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 transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes 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 money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
