This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
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 display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages 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 – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
