This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful 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 position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning 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 lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, 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 communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
