The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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 transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless 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 orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
