The newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives 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 download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
