This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
