This newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply 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 contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates 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 orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
