This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period 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 connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When 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 reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
