This newest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version 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 receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available 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, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
