This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, 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 orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
