This newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using 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 enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions 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 expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages 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 messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
