This latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
