This latest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing 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 completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
