This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make 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 works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite 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 north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
