The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
