This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very 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 display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping 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 high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
