This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
