This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result 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 remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
