This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only 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 version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
