This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside 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 generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
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 orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
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 wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
