This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp 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 larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone 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 initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL 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 performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options 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 recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
