This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone 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 includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
