This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive 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 double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register 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 customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight 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 safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan 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 hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
