This most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
