This newest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive 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 screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
