This latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
