This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found 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 even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service 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 typically repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer 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 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
