The most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view 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 crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
