This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall 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 download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities 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 shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
