The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
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 install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
