This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, 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, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, 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 includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than 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 location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight 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 vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription 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 standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
