This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, 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, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
