This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile 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 includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of 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, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through 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 materials. Garmin offers disposal 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
