This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works 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 send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
