The newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found 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 smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, 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, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
