This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support portal. 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 materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
