This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice 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 sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 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: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
