This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available 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 does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any 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 hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
