The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The 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 big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays 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 crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
