The newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available 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 SOS SOS.
A guide shows 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
