This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
