This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very 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 – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial 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 cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices 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 updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
