This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very 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 isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
