This latest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to 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 functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth 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 register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin 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 adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
