The newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
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 reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning 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 locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
