This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes 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 does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
