The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track 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 version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through 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 lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
