This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching 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.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile 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 customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal 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 cost 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not 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 weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
