This newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version 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 charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive 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 playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning 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 lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
