This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
