This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires 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, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
