This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations 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 shows you how to find the line of sight 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 safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
