The most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for 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 retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
