This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone 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 touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
