The newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message 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 application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
