The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
