This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed 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 climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features 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 transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
