This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £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 functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving 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 does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
