This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When 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 via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential 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 latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. 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 anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
