This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
