This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates 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 transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional 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 standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
