This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
