This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives 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 application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
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 from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
