This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit 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 communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
