This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device 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 accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
