This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link 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 generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
