This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
