This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal 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 works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
