This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, 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 most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view 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 crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The 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 builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any 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 trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
