This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The 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. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
