This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
