This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.