This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features 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 check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works 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 contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
