The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text 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, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
