This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support 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 components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
