This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
