This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish 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 whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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 emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
