This newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make 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.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
