This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside 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 stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
