This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
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 larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
