The latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost 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 SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
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 from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
