This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any 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 jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
