The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive 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 outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works 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 speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches 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 send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available 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 programs on recent purchases.
Price
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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
