This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing 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 got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take 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 directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. 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 anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking 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 orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
