The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
