This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring 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 check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
