This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect 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 friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
