This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors 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 service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
