This latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send 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 monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
