This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
