This newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity 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 activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription 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 adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
