This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. 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 materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency 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 keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
