The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make 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 still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
