This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, 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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire 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.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
