This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
