This newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. 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 provides recycling 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
