The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.