The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £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.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible 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 send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
