This latest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
