This newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model 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 standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever 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 application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
