The latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas 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.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download 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, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
