The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It 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 subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
