This latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, 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 clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
