This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile 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 personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
