This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine 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. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal 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 provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
