This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey option, 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 – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
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 communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling 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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
