This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely 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 twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile 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 includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This 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 subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
