This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent 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 smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set 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 unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate 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 important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all 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 trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
