The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service 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 adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
