This newest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. 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 additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
