The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives 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 install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices 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 send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
