This latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. 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 everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
