This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting 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 extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When 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 via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link 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 primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor 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 carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
