The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
