This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever 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 trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support 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 materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
