The newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible 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, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
