This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
