This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital 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 simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
