This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But 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 charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send 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 competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
