The newest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – 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 tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating 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 recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
