The newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size 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 watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all 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 hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
