This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends 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 communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The 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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
