This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey 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 – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The 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 locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
