This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available 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 despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, 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 service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions 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 speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of 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 remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent 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 weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
