This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
