This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view 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, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages 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 texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating 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 fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
