This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing 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 head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
