This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit 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 acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
