This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view 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 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 except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
