This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, 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 set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location 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 carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite 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 orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
