The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find 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 crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
