This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period 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 connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent 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 begin 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 adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating 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 fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
