This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire 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 does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions 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 jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.