This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all 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 trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
