This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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 crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service 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 recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. 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 outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
