This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
