This latest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available 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 version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
