This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
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 larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices 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 updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated 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 recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
