The newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running 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 functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
