This newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
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 activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
