The newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
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 power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want 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 does so without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
