This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering 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 completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely 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 on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
