This newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching 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 lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough 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 customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted 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 services available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier 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, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
