This latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
