This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever 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 application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. 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 service plans begin 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 adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating 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 recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
