This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family 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 install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier 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 nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
