This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big 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, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
