This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
