This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
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).
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 messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
