This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible 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 updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
