This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside 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 place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays 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 easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
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 accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
