This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although 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 configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry 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 SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
