This latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very expensive option, 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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once 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 comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, 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, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
