This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important 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 north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants 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 communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
