This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
