This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
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 activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
