The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via 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 disposal schemes 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
