This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan 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, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital 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 except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite 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 recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
