This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
