This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, 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 despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances 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 service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just 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 time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
