This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £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 price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight 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 lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The 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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
