This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available 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 smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact 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 slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
