This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, 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 are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position 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 communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
