This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as 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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without 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 family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
