The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications 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 satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service site. 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 recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool 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 does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all 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 desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
