The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just 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 are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating 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 plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
