This most recent version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, 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 phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
