This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays 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 easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
