This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as 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 screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
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 transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
