This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected 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 install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. 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 does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
