This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive 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 receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
