This latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting 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 service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available 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 transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
