The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
