This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans 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 out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This 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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
