The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just 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 slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, 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 orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
