The newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive 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 evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends 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 communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows 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 easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, 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 through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
