This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The 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 bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient 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 works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
