This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
