This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin 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 adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, 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 isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
