This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up 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 acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates 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 transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
