This latest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, 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 display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, 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 on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets 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 orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
