This newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text 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 application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong 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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
