The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
