This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost 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 sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
