The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember 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 north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
