This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in 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 orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
