This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £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.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support site. 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 components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
