This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost 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 model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered 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 version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply 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 can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
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 real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
