This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong 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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside 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. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
