This latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides 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 cost 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 incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
