This latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight 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 lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
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 desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
