This newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
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 weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
