This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital 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 satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service 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, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
