This latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it 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.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate 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 lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
