This latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends 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 typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving 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 locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all 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 running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
