This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £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 receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through 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 disposal schemes 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
