This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising 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 capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
