The newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, 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. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
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 adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
