This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost 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 dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
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 can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor 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 without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
