The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view 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, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
