This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, 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 find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
