This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, 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 simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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 outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, 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 make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
