This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance 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 big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back 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 account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible 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 send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes 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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
